of SINCLAIR COMPUTERS
The Sinclair QL . cA. T. S.
~a 32 bit CPU Powerhouse! CapitalFest :
secs . ne: a Coming in
May 6-7, 1989
—3y
THE Z88 UNDER 2 LBS.
A Computer Without Compromise
The TS-2068 Workhorse
UPDATE Magazine
1317 Stratford Ave.
Panama City, FL 32404 Tel 904 871 3556
NEws AnD New PRopucTs
DEAR TIMEX/SINCLAIR ENTHUSIAST:
WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE UP-
COMING CAPITAL AREA TIMEX/SINCLAIR CAPITALFEST ON MAY 6 AND MAY 7, 1989.
BANQUET FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 5, 1989.
FEST TO BE HELD AT THE HOWARD JOHNSON INN, ROUTE 450 AND THE BELTWAY (EAST-
SIDE), NEW CARROLLTON, MD.
HOWARD JOHNSON'S IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED FOR EASY ACCESS BY ROAD, SUBWAY
(NEW CARROLLTON, MD. STOP), AMTRAK FROM NEW YORK AND BOSTON TO THE NORTH
AND ALL POINTS SOUTH, AND BY AIR INTO WASHINGTON NATIONAL AND BALTIMORE —
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL.
CATS, OUR USERS GROUP, CURRENTLY WITH OVER 100 MEMBERS WILL BE HOSTING
THIS AFFAIR.
SHARP'S, ZEBRA, AND MANY OTHER VENDORS WILL BE SPONSORING AND ATTENDING.
SEMINARS, DOOR PRIZES, AND MANY SURPRISES AWAIT YOU.
THIS CAPITALFEST WILL BE FULLY ADVERTISED WITH THOUSANDS OF FLYERS BEING
SENT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
HOTEL ROOM RATE IS $62.00 A NIGHT ALONG WITH ONE FREE ADMISSION TO SHOW.
BANQUET, FRIDAY NIGHT WILL RUN AROUND $17.00.
TABLES WILL BE $25.00 EACH.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
GET THE DETAILS!!S112EPF PUPP P PPO e Peeper ee eee eee gee ee eee egngninn
LOVE TO HAVE YOU AT THE FEST.
C.A.T.S. CAPITALFEST
P. 0. BOX 24
GARRETT PARK, MARYLAND 20896-0024
301-439-8756 : th
yn 1994
nt he
Loon FoR Getensl ‘apait
INDEX
UPDATE JANUARY 1989
General Information
Subjects
Pages
Advertising Rate Schedule 55
C.A.T.S. Spring Fest
Disk Drive Repairs??
In This Issue
Publishing Data
Sinclair Publications
S.N.U.G. Updates
Inside Cover
5
6
6
4,9
1-3
Subscriptions, Back Issues 6
Support Items
TS-2068 Subjects Page
Aerco FD-68 "FD-68 Update" 30-33
Larken Tips 9
Lets Talk Printers 34-39
LKDOS OFF Switch (MAX DOS) 8
LKDOS Version 3 EPROM 7
MAX DOS Compatabilities i)
MAX DOS Program 22
Software Reviews 40
Supplies and Support 56-57
TS-2068 Power Problems 8, 41-45
TS-2068 Software Library 52-54
VARIABLE File SAVE/LOAD 19-21
Sinclair 288
288 Subjects
PIPELINE MAGAZINE
288 Owner's Report
288 Review
56
Sinclair QL Subjects
Beginner's Programming
Cable's Column
EXPORT Abascus Files
IMPORT To QUILL
IMPORT IBM Programs
The Index Printer Program
MDV Cartridge Repairs
Multiple Quill Letters
Printer Control
QL Repair Sources
QL Tips
Quantum Levels Magazine
Software Library
Supplies and Support
Software Review
UPDATE MAGAZINE i JANUARY 1989
This is a short update to let all of you know what has
happened since last you heard From from us. Since our last Press
Release, We have received thirty Five individual memberships,
and thirteen memberships from Users Groups ¢ which represents
approximately twenty Four per cent of the known users groups in
the North Americén continent ). We have also received a
membership from Australia . We would be extreamly pleased if we
could establish a group to expand to outside the continent
So what have we been doing all this time ? Plenty!! Firstly,
we drafted a charter that was designed to allow for most
provisions including expansion. This was a very time consuming
task. The Charter has been sent to the Florida State Secretary
of State and at this writing ( early December ) we are waiting
to hear if the Charter has been accepted. All funds up to now
have been held as an account cannot be established until a
charter has been presented... Catch 22!
We have with the help of the Library Committee established
a Format to work the Public Domain Software Library. We
currently have set up Librarians for the following machines and
formats:
Z2X-81, TS-1000, TS-1500...Cassette, Larken DOS
Spectrum, TS-2068...Cassette, A&J Microdrive, Wafadrive,
Aerco-Larken-Qliger BOS
Quantum Leap (QL)...Microdrive, Floppy Disc
We are currently assessing what programs qualify For Public
Domain and we are gathering programs at this time. We cannot
give an accurate number of programs available, but we hope to
have between 250-300 before January 1, 1989.
We also have acquired not one but two Editors for our
publication ! We have also been trying to put together a
Publication committee to determine how our newsletter will look
and and its contents. Several of our respondents expressed
interest in writing articles, so we should have several first
time writers with some new applications.
Ali Teas.
JANUARY 1989 WDA # ABGAZILN
UPDATE MAGAZINE ies! JANUARY 1989
C A M B RI D G ie Comdex Booth 1E
h'orth America
THE CAMBRIDGE Z88 PERSONAL COMPUTER
LESS THAN TWO POUNDS, MORE THAN THREE MEGABYTES
The Cambridge Z88 Is the first personal computer that fits Inside a regular briefcase. !t measures
only 11 1/2 inches by 8 1/4 inches (almost exactly the same as this sheet of paper) and less than
7/8 inch thick, and weighs less than two pounds.
The Cambridge Z88 has a multi-tasking operating system, allowing users to have several
applications open at the same time, and to move quickly from one to another, without saving,
exiting or loading - even after the computer has been turned off. This means that the user can
begin work Immediately, without waiting for the operating system, the applications and the files
to be loaded.
Built-in applications include word processing, spreadsheet, database, communications, diary,
calendar, calculator and alarms. The Cambridge Z88's software features pop down menus, and
on-line context-sensitive help.
With the Z88 PCLink, users can download Wordstar, Lotus 1-2-3 and ASCII files to the
Cambridge 288 froma desktop PC.
The Z88-to-Mac peripheral enables MacWrite, Microsoft Word, WriteNow, Fullwrite Professional,
Word Perfect and Excel files to be transferred to the Cambridge Z88 from any Apple Macintosh
computer.
The Cambridge Z88 has a battery life of 20 hours on 4 AAs, and a silent keyboard, so it can be
used anywhere - on a plane, in a meeting, at a seminar.
One reason for the Cambridge Z88's compactness is that it doesn't need disk drives. The
memory consists of three separate solid state memory modules, one of which can be an EPROM
and removed like a diskette. The Cambridge 288 can address more than three megabytes of
internal memory.
The Cambridge Z88’s supertwist LCD display has eight lines by 106 characters. This enables the
Cambridge Z88 to show a full eighty columns and a page map (a thumbnail image of the full
page).
The suggested retail price is $549, and the Cambridge Z88 is available through major computer
and retail stores. A full range of peripheral products - including memory modules, parallel and
serial printer cables, PCLink, Z88-to-Mac and modem - is also available.
The Cambridge 288 was designed for Cambridge North America by a team led by Sir Clive
Sinclair, who has created several innovative electronics products over the past twenty years, and
is manufactured for Cambridge North America by SCI Corp., one of America’s largest electronics
manufacturers. It is already the best-selling portable computer in Britain.
JANUARY 1989 Over UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
Cambridge Z88 NewsNotes™
Volume I, Number 1
Published by Cambridge North America
September 1988
Taking the Z88 Advantage
- an Editorial
The Z88 is being compared
with all the other portable or
lap-top computers. Most often,
the Z88 is being compared with
the Tandy 102. We decided to
spend a little time with a
Tandy 102 to see for ourselves.
The Tandy is thicker and heav-
ier, this is both good and bad.
It makes it feel more "real", yet
somehow more fragile if drop-
ped, (It is a /ot heavier!) Also,
the Tandy 102 keyboard has
room for coffee to get between
the keys and it seems more like
a regular computer. In many
respects they are about even,
even to about the same amount
of RAM in the basic unit.
The Tandy looks more like a
shrunken computer-- yet ano-
ther copy on an old theme.
The Z88, in comparison, looks
more like something totally
new, more modern.
Z88’s Pluses:
The Z88 comes with a spread-
sheet! (In other words, a real-
live important function.) Both
have a word processor, but the
Z88 is more lively in terms of
built in application power.
The Z88 also has a built in Z80
Assembler! Which leads to a
really powerful Basic and As-
sembler one-two punch for de-
veloping even more applica-
tions. The Tandy has Basic,
but given the ability to use a
powerful BASIC that can ac-
cess user written assembler rou-
tines, it is a far more versatile
machine.
Cambridge Z88 NewsNotes
The Z88 keyboard is sealed,
unlike the Tandy’s which ap-
pears to be open to the
environment-- not good for a
true take-anywhere portable.
The Z88 screen is a full 94
characters wide for applica-
tions, instead of the 40 charac-
ters on the Tandy. Even better,
when doing word processing,
the Z88 displays an image of
the finished page on the screen,
laid out the way it will print!
The Z88 really shines in its
treatment of the user. It pro-
vides friendly navigation from
application to applications,
with suspended applications
for work in progress. Its opera-
ting system technology is far
more advanced.
It is totally solid state! The
Tandy has no slots for plugging
in extra memory and applica-
tions via RAM and ROM slots.
This creates a dramatic su-
periority for the Z88, where
the user can purchase real ap-
plications (such as ZBASE, an
upcoming dBase II look-alike)
that plug in and go. Also, with
large TSS (Total Solid State)
ram, keeping a lot of data ina
directory structure is impera-
tive. The Tandy is too simplis-
tic to need such amenities.
While the Z88 costs about the
same as the Tandy 102, it’s still
a lot more bang for the buck.
This will continually become
more obvious as its power is
made manifest via more and
more applications on plug in
cartridges, such as ZBASE. 288
Copyright 1988 Cambridge North America Ser
Welcome to
Z88 NewsNotes
And welcome to what is cer-
tain to become the most popu-
lar portable computer in the
world! Sir Clive Sinclair has
done it again, with his constant
desire to squeeze ever more
power into ever smaller space.
Although the Z88 is small, it is
not weak. Our job here at
Cambridge Z88 NewsNotes is to
make sure you get the maxi-
mum power out of your Z88.
We will make sure you are kept
abreast of the latest develop-
ments, and we will also provide
insights on how to squeeze all
the power out of what you al-
ready have. Some of these ideas _
will come from us. Most of the
ideas will come from you.
Authors and Publishers:
Do you need more technical in-
formation so that you can de-
velope applications for the
Z88? It ison the way. But un-
less you tell us who you are, we
will have no way of getting it
to you.
More documentation is coming
on how to use BBC Basic, how
to write Z80 assembler pro-
grams using the built in assem-
bler, and how to directly inter-
face the operating system and
build EPROM applications.
Send a letter to Al Baker,
Cambridge North America, 615
Academy Dr., Northbrook IL
60062, and as technical infor-
mation becomes available, you
will be contacted as to the best
way to obtain it. 788
UPDATE MAGAZINE
‘e Corporation
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
SINCLAIR PUBLLCALIONS
QUANTUM LEVELS STILL KICKING
Before Christwas rumors abounded that QL's and Sincware News were quitting.
QUANIUM LEVELS will continue publishing and will expand to absorb their sister
publication Syncware News to support all Sincliar Timex system users. This word
cama to UPDATE directly from Tom Bent, publisher of Quantum Levels Magazine. Now
for some conments about Sinclair Publication in North America.
Originally there were several Monthly and bi-monthly Magazines. These were
PROFIT NOTOVATED publications having regular office staffs. As advertising
potential evaporated, so did the magazines. Now ALL are published by avid Sinclair
users who do it more asa bobby than for profit. We just ignore the fact that
there is no money in it and do it out of a desire to sustain publication support.
Any business accountant would spend a few minutes and tell each of us to pull the
plug amd chop wood instead.
Watch your attitude! Sinclair publishers, because of their devotion, are
easily hurt and discouraged. Me? Heck, I'm conditioned by long amd tough
experience and I absorb it. But consider a guy who is holding down a 8-5 job and
publishing on spare time. The "thing" takes a lot of time and it isn't paying even
minimum wages. It does not take much flack to influence the decision "Io Heck With
It"! We have the "late syndrome". Most Sinclair publications are always late. So
what! 1£ an issue comes before the next one is due, then thats par for the course.
What's the ole saying? "Better late than never"!
I have received a few letters saying that the subscriber is not renewing with.
another publication. Let me tell you that this is not good news. It's like the~
user slpoting himself in the foot. I did not start Update Magazine over a year ago
to compete and take away subscribers from other publications. UFDAI'E began because
I perceived that MORE support was needed, not LESS. If the results were that other
publications were hurt I would be dismayed. I subscribe to every Sinclair
publication, and I believe that every serious user should. There is not enough in
each magazine to £ill one's needs. But there is adequate support if one subscribes
to all.
Quantum Levels Magazine is a key publication for the Sinclair QL users. There
is the magazine itself, plus its franchise with the Quanta Library, plus ole Tom
Bent himself, who is the leading technical authority on the QL computer. This
support package is very valuable to us and I want to see Quantum Levels endure for
years to come. As Quantum Levels increases its scope to cover the TS-2068 it will
have something for everyone.
‘TIME DESIGNS is not to be slighted in this discussion. Tim and Stephanie
Woods have done a magnificent job in: supporting Sinclair users. I treasure TDM
back issues and look foreward to the next.
"QLui is another fledging publication that specializes in QL support. I feel
that my $15 is well spent. I believe that Bill Fischer will make QLui a valuable
addition to our information sources.
Now for a bit of levity in this set of epistles. A new COMPULER VIRUS has
been developed by Update Magazine to share with the other Sinclair publications.
"SCLD ZAPPER" is a retribution software that works via satellite. The INPUT is
just a Telephone number or a mailing address. Then the software homes in on the
house and zapps all SCLD CHIPS under the roof., ZAPPER was designed for users who
allow their subscriptions to lapse. Better watch it Guy!
4
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Disk Drives, the Repair thereof, and analogies
The first time I got interested in Disk Drives, I moseyed around town and looked at
some State of the Art DD's. They were big ole 8 inch jobbies for the early CP/M
computer systems and their price tags were over $800 each. Even at that price, my
mouth watered for one. Then I found out that they broke quite often and to get one
fixed they'd look at it for $200 and tell me what the price to fix it would be.
Then came along the 5 1/4 inch DD's, still prone to quit after a few hours of
operation, and still very costly to get fixed. Some of these early 5 1/4 inch
drives are offered by mail order for as low as $25.
I thought that I had located a Disk Drive Repair service that I could recommend to
Update subscribers. I had one of those oldies that quit on me. A young fellow in
town has a good shop equipped with diagnostic test equipment for DD's. So I took
the sick DD to his stop and a week later it was fixed. The price tag was $55 plus
tax. A quick look in Update Magazine found NEW drives advertised for $50.
Now thats kinda like tother day when my Grand Son called with a deal. I had tole
him that when the used car lot that he works at gets a HEAVY car with LOTS of
POWER, to call me. I wanted something to tow a boat with. The thing that he had
for me was a eight year old Lincoln Lemonzine that had been owned by a 92 year old
lady who hada hired driver / male nurse combo. The only times the Lincoln was
ever used since new was to take the lil ole lady to Church services on Sundays.
Tom allowed that the price was $800 fer the Lincoln if I took it direct from the
lady afore the car lot got holt of it. Now dont that sound like a used car
salesman a talkin? I said, "bring it on over Son, but iff'n you're lyin at me I'it
dis-enherit you". Well, that thing took up alla the driveway and looked like
somebod musta died at the house and the Funeral director was inside, But it a WAS -
a HEAVY car and it had LOTSA power, and the speedometer said 48000, but you and me
knows that a speedometer readin is about as reliable as politician's promises. I
lifted the hood and gazed at a motor bout the size of a Nuke power plant that was
so clean you coulda had lunch on it. Somebody had paid bout 40 grand for this
bundle of bolts about eight years ago. I checked the oil and it was right on full,
so I decided to give it the ole BJ test. The BJ test calls fer lockin the gas
pedal to the floor board for exactly an hour to see if the thing flies apart or
uses oil. Now Dothan ALA sits up thar bout 60 mile up in the Alabam peanut patch.
I made the trip up and back in a few minutes shy of an hour. Durin that hour
chickens were scatterin every which a ways and some Canadians turnt around and went
home thinking that FLA aint the place to be iffen that guy's hurrin that much to
get away frumit. Talk bout speedin, I used to take off ina F-101 from a RCAF
base at Whitehorse in Canada at 12 noon and get to Fairbanks Alaska at 10 AM, two
hours afore I took off, cause I went thtough three time zones in an hour of flight.
So, I'm kinda usta going faster'n ole Speedy Gonzales, but the natives aint usta
seein a car the length of a football field that peers to be an airplane without
wings the way it's skinnin along. And since I'm gone afore they get a good glance,
they dont know whut they sawed. There was a piece in the paper next day bout a
grey cigar shaped flyin saucer reported by several folks up on Hwy 231. Well let
me tell you that the dip stick still showed full when I got back, and now I keep my
Boat towin car in the garage to keep the folks from thinkin I'm dead as a mackerel.
Course, I had to extend the garage so's the Lincoln would fit in it. Thet didn't
cost me but about $24000. But iffn the lemonzine ever needs fixin, I'll jest let
it slide into the drink at the launchin ramp. Didja ever take a Lincoln to the
shop for fixin?
Alla that may have some hidden wisdum about disk drives. They're cheap now and the
repair cost usually exceeds new replacement cost. But the real rezon fer tolen you
this wuz to getcha laffin with me so's you'll enjoy the rest of the magazine.
JANFIARY. 1999 ? UPDATE: MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
PUBLISHING DATA
UPDATE MAGAZINE is published Quarterly on the
first day of October, January, April, and July.
Annual subscription is by "year of issues”
beginning with the October issue and ending
with the July issue. All subscriptions expire
with the receipt of the July Update Issue. A
subscription renewal notice will be included in
each July issue, and a prompt renewal will be
appreciated. (Address on front cover).
Subscription is $16.00 per year.
Issue Mail out is during the first week of the
issue month and is via bulk mail, except for
Canadian wail which is via parcel posk rates.
Subscribers should receive their issue by the
15th day of the issue month, but sometimes mil
service is delayed. If not received by the
20th day, the subscriber is requested to call a
supervisor of mail at the central post office.
Postal delivery personnel have some lattitude
in the handling of BULK mail, but excessive
delays should not be tolerated. If a postal
complaint does not result in the receipt of the
wagazine by the 24th day, a second copy will be
sent upon request.
BACK ISSUES are available in "four packs" only
and the price is $16.00 for the year of back
issues.
TEN PACKS of current issues are available for
Dealers and News stand sales at 30% off the
cover price, or $34.65 (postpaid). Ten packs
may include mixed issue dates.
FREE line advertisements for subscribers, one
per issue, will be published. Such free ads
nust be non-commercial and for computer related
components or software that is surplus. Please
include a statement as to the operating
condition, price, and telephone number.
Several items may be included in the "3 line
limit" of 76 characters per line. The
deadline for insertion in the next issue is 20
days before the issue date. See Index for
DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT RATES,
Orders £rom the "Issue Disk / MDV Library" that
ace received during the month prior to a
magazine issue month may be delayed until the
magazine mail outs have been accomplished.
Timely wail out o£ the magazine takes priority.
UPDATE Magazine is "User Group Oriented", and
will publish announcements ard promo from TSUGS
free of charge. 6!
JANUARY 1989
, Sakes
JANUARY 1989
EXPLANATIONS about this Issue
UPDATE is getting lots of mail
from the “Subscriber Family". Most of the
letters have’ some real good TIPS ani
Programming information. I studied and
studied about how to present the data and
decided that the best way is to just print
some of them exactly as they were received.
This way I wont chance disturbing the
meaning, or lose some of the detail. If
the reader desires more information about
the subject he can write to the author
direct. And, if the reader has MORE
information about the subject, for goodness
send in the information to be
published!
QL or TS-2068 or 28877
Last issue UPDATE decorated the
pages with nice little pictures of these
fine computers. The idea was that if a
minature computer appears at page top, then
there is something on that page about the
bugger. You may have to look pretty
closely to find the reference, but it!s
there. (Maybe just an ad?) R, if the,
PROGRAMMING given in the article can be
used with more than one computer, then the
page top will show more than one. The
article may be about QL programming, but
may also be applicable to the TS-2068 or
the 288. We will continue this because I
like it, it saves writing explanations, and
many subscribers have said that they like
it too.
Magazine SIZE
Now last issue was too durn big!
To keep that up would require revenue
enhancements. Now when politicians say
“revenue enhancements", you and I know that
they mean MORE TAXES. But for UPDATE it
means that ole Bill would have to dig
further into personal finances to publish
the rag. So, I'll try to settle down at
about 50 pages and hold at that. Anyway,
last issue was a splurge to publicise our
fine User Group newsletters. I shot the
budget with that, so will have to regroup.
By the way, some have been
worried about UPDATE's status, We're at
about the break even point now, with over
400 subscribers and more coming in every
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
day. I lied a bit about “near 100%
renewals of subscriptions, but it "came
true". There were about 75 subscribers who
hadn't renewed. A copy of the october
issue was sent to each of them with a
renewal notice "betting on the come". T
can tell you that all except three
responded.
Qne wrote and said, "I appreciate
what you are doing, but I'm 79 years old
and I cannot understand a word in the
magazine, I guess that I am too old to
learn, so I'll have to drop out". I wrote
back a thank you note and said "I'm no
spring chicken either, and this is helping
me to ward off senility".
Quite a few have ask for some
more fundamentals, so this issue will
present some earthy articles on
programming. Hope you like it. Now I'll
give you a short review on the LARKEN LKDOS
VERSION 3 EPROM,
LKDOS Version 3
Qne can upgrade to Version 3 by
ordering a new EPROM for the LKDOS. When
it arrives it is just a matter of prying up
the old EPROM and installing the new V-3
EPROM in its place. WARNING: Before
removing the old one, note the placement of
the end that has the little "U", and be
sure to line up the new one with its "U" at
the same end of the IC socket. Murphy's
Law sez, “If there is a 50% chance for
getting it right, the results will be 100%
wrong”.
Larry Kenny (Larken Electronics),
released the Version 3 EPROM in November
88. As of this writing not many have it.
It provides a raft of GREAT improvements to
the LKDOS. Among the improvements are:
-Sequenntial File handling.
-Rename Command, -IMPROVED PRINTER DRIVER.
-Improved NMI SAVE. -Improved Print and
Lprint Command. -Peek routine for the
Cartridge EPROM. -User Defined command.
-RAMDISK COMMANDS. Faster start up
initialization. -many other smaller
improvements.
I have done some intensive work
with Version 3 and find that it provides
substantial improvements. In particular,
the PRINTER control is outstanding. All of
the extensive printer driver code except 50
bytes are stored in the EPROM. The other
JANUARY 1989
JANUARY 1989
50 bytes are initialized automatically in
RAM. So, one need not load any code from
either disk or cassette to have complete
control of the printer. New features
include LEFT MARGIN set, Line feed or no
line feed, Line Length set, Simple set up
for any type of Parallel interface. A
single PCKE sets up for interfaces by
Aerco, Oliger, Tasman, A& J, or a “user
defined interface", Also, the printer
control system allows either separate use
of a Parallel printer or the TS-2040, or
for simultaneous printing with both, This
is likely the most versatile printer driver
available today. I am very impressed with
it and say, "Well Done Larry!".
But Larry is most proud of the
new SEQUENTIAL FILES feature. One may send
data from the keyboard to disk in the same
manner as is done to the screen or printer.
Then data may be read back from
disk “either by lines", or by entire files.
A 'read back' can be to screen, to printer,
to a modem for telecon out. The
ramifications of this are great. Imagine,
sending a 100K file directly out of disk,
and not worrying about the limitations of
FREE memory!
Version 3 also includes a
"getoken" feature that allows all 255
characters to be sent to disk.
Another feature has been added to
the NMI SAVE. Now we have the choice of
saving a Screen along with all memory. Or,
we can Save all Memory without the screen,
or we can shorten the SAVE by reducing RAM
TOP and save just the program for auto run.
The MAX DOS Saga
Some are having problems with
conflicts. The key words for LKDOS
commands are "RANDOMIZE USR 100". Use that
instead of PRINT #4 when the Oliger Dos is
active. PRINT #4 uses some of the same
EPROM addresses as the Oliger EPROM uses,
and you may notice a slight flicker of the
Oliger LED. So it is best to avoid the
PRINT #4 command and use the slightly
longer command RANDOMIZE USR 100: before
the LRDOS command. The two DOS "NMI"
functions clash completely. Therefore, the
"opposite EPROM" must be turned OFF
manually. A LKDOS OFF switch is diagrammed
in another article in this issue. Other
than these little difiuguties, I have
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
operated hundreds of hours with MAX DOS,
with great success.
Typical was the task of
converting Smart Text from Oliger DOS to
LKDOS. Disk 0 contained the Oliger DOS
version. Disk 1 contained a LKDOS disk
that had the FORMAT program. Disk 2 was
the LKDOS Destination disk. FORMAT was
accomplished between disk land 2. Then
program loading and transfer was
accomplished between disk 0 and 2.
Some 20 screen files were
transferred with a simple direct conmand:
FOR Nel TO 20: LET/d=0: CAT: INPUT
"TITLE?" ;A$: LOAD aSSCREEN$ : RANDOMIZE USR
100: GOTO 2: LET AS=A$+".CLl":PRINT #4:
SAVE ASSCREENS :NEXT N. Actually, it is
best to put the above in a line 9999
program line so that if you make a key in
error you can get going again by GO TO
9999. For Screen file saves RANDOMIZE USR
100 pushes the line off and the screen up a
line, so PRINT #4 must be used. So far, no
problem!.
TS-2068 POWER WARNINGS
I believe that about 150,000
"Former" TS-2068 users left the family due
to Voltage Regulator failures, and a lack
o£ knowledge about were to get the TS-2068
fixed. And I believe that I could take a
quick look at YOUR TS-2068 system and count
up more than ONE AMP of +5 Volt current
usage from the "5V 1 AMP" regulator. When
the TS-2068 first came to us there were
only two devices to connect to it. Me was
the TS-2040 printer and the other were some
Dock Cartridges by Timex. Thats about all
that the little Voltage regulator was
designed to handle. As more devices began
to be hung onto the back I/O port, the
rated output of the Voltage Regulator has
been stretched to the limit and beyond. A
comprehensive article in this issue deals
with the problem and offers solutions-- to
keep you from becoming # 150,001 of the
"attritted". POWER HOGS are: The A & J
Microdrive, The Aerco FD~68 Disk
Controller, EPROM devices (in that order).
Early signs of power problems
are: Sometimes have to ON OFF the canputer
afew times to get the copyright display.
Unreliable cassette load
JANUARY 1989
LKbOS OFF Switch
(For MAX DOS Operation)
To allow the Oliger NMI £unctions to work.
Larry Kenny suggests the addition of a tiny
slide switch to be connected as shown in
figure 1 below. UPDATE has added this
switch and it works fine. There are two
holes to the left of the 74LS74 chip. A
resistor is standing at 45 degree angle and
in the way. Push the top of the resistor
toward the EPROM so that a wire can be
soldered to the vacant hole nearest the
74LS74 chip. The slide switch connects
between that hole and the ground strap that
extends along the right edge of the circuit
board. I had trouble getting the tip of
the soldering iron in that swall space, so
1 soldered to the underside of the plated
through hole. Before soldering the wire,
the paint was scraped off of the hole with
a exacto knife. The switch was fastened to
the circuit board with epoxi glue “after
the electrical connections were made. Be
careful not to short out the pins of the
74LS74, I prefer the switch be mounted as_
shown because it does not cover up any ~-
circuit traces, but since circuit board lay
outs may be slightly different an~
alternative place for the switch is shown.
This would be behind the 74LS74 and between
it and the next IC. You should be able to
find a tiny micro switch at Radio Shack.
The smaller the better. I£ you find a
micro switch small enough it can be stuck
on so that it does not extend beyond the
edge of the circuit board, thus allowing
the dock door to close. --BJ
ARDS CANT
Fy i
Abd shdle Type- pa SeestiProcarive
8
JANUARY 1989
UPDATE
JANUARY
MAGAZINE
From: Paul Bingham, PO Box 2034, Mesa, AZ
85214.
Dear Bill,
If this stationary has caught your
attention then let me explain, Last month
I was talking with Tim (Time Designs) Woods
about his 288 newsletter. I've done some
art work for Tim in the past in addition to
articles. I ask him if I could help and he
said sure. Well, since that conversation
Tim has sent me everything and made te
Managing Editor! I've already gotten
articles and programs from Tim, Ken
Wildman, Charles Finn, and Rob Curry. The
first issue ought to go out by
Thanksgiving.
How's about one year's subscription of
PIPELINE (six issues ~~ $24.95 value) for
UPDATE for a year? And if I get some 288
submittals that duplicate or wont fit in an
issue L'11 send them your way. Sound 0.K.?
The PIPEDREAM format will be different than
other Sinclair publications. We have a
larger PC crowd and we decided to go
upscale as the price indicates. The
typesetting will be done on a Mac IT and
output to a Apple Lazer printer. The look
will be something between USA TODAY, a
Congressional Newsletter, and the Wall
Street Journal. More later. Paul
Bingham, .+eceseres
UPDATE Commentos: Sounds like PIPELINE
will be an outstanding new publication that
will be of interest to both 788 and QL
users. I had written to Tim Woods asking
for a subscription to the 7288 newsletter
and was getting impatient. So, you can bet
your boots that I'll trade subscriptions
with you for PIPELINE. Good Luck in the
publishing venture and I'll help in any way
that I can.
UPDATE now has about 50 subscribers who own
the 788. Most also have either the TS-2068
or the QL. The 288 user group is
definitely developing, and will likely
become equal in numbers to all other
1989 9
JANUARY 1989
Sinclair users by the end of 1989. It
appears that most intend to stay with a
larger Desk Top computer and transport
files back and forth. UPDATE is betting
that our TS-2068 and QL users who have the
288 will remain committed to using their
“nainstay" systems! But we recognize the
utility of the 288 when operated in
conjunction with other computer systems.
But for some the 288 will be as much
computer as they need with its built in
software ensemble and its ability to use
common periphreals. UPDATE will bring as
much information as can be garnered to
support the 288 users in the operation of
the 288 itself, and its capabilities for
file sharing with the TS-2068 and the OL.
PIPELINE and UPDATE will both be pursuing
goals of helping to develop North American
programming support, periphreal
development, and informing the users. And,
we can do a better job through cooperation
and sharing of information. UPDATE las
already provided a QL program for review by
PIPELINE (if it is needed), and will sare
other information in the future. . This
policy is extended to the other Sinclair
publications.
More about PIPELINE will be published as
the complexion of the magazine is known.
As of this writing we have not seen the
first issue. In the meantime a hearty GOOD
LUCK is given to Paul Bingham and his
cohorts in the PIPELINE venture. --BU
LARKEN TIP
Didja ever dream that you went to Church
and discovered that you'd forgotten to put
on your pants. There you are afore God and
everybody with shoes and supporters but no
pants! You wake up and say "Phew! Ain't IT
glad that was just a dream!". Well, thats
kinda like a LKDOS owner who doesn't
subscribe to SINC LINK. Something
important is missing. SINC LINK is the
newsletter of the ONTARIO, CANADA TSUG, and
it. likely has more LKDOS tips and programs
than any other publication. Coverage of
the QL is picking up too. LKDOS users.
espically need the NOV/DEC 88 issue. SINC
LINK, 14 Richome Court, Scarborough,
Ontario, Canada mK iyi. Order the
NOV/DEC issue to check out the value. Then
decide upon a year membership subscription.
Send $2.00. U.S. checks accepted at par.
~BU.
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZ) IE JANUARY 1989
QL TIPS
Some of the best operational tips comes in letters to UPDATE. A bunch of these are
given in this issue, nuff to help almost everybody with at least 2 or 3 head
scratching problens.
John Juergens, Pacifica, California uses Quill with a typewriter:
Your October issue (my first) just arrived. I'm very glad I accepted your
recent invitation to subscribe.
There are a few things I have found to make life easier when working with
QUNP:
1. One of our printing devices is a typewriter. One of the difficulties
with both a typewriter and a dot-matrix printer is starting out; that is,
dues one line up the top of the paper, start printing and hope to catch it
under the paper bail on-the-fly or is there an easier way? Go into Desiyn
(F3, D) and set Upper Margin to zero and Bottom Margin to 12 - assuming you
wish a one inch margin top and bottom. When ready to print align the top of
lhe paper at the print line and press the Line Feed button seven (if the
paper is one below) or six (if on) the print line - this is the top one-inch
margin. Paper bail down and start printing. Multi-pages can be done easily
if tractor paper is used on the typewriter and the required number of pages
is left connected (you can then use Continuous Forms YES when configuring
the printer_dat for your typewriter and print the whole thing out at once
without stopping for the Insert New Page and Press Enter interrupt.) Ifa
Footer is desired (with or without pagination) put it in but be sure to
deduct the lines used for the Footer from the 12 lines designated for the
Bottom Margin in Design.
2. The setting up each time of the margins, header, footer, tabs, gaps,
elc. has always been a pain. I set up a blank page with all desired settings
or a number of blannk pages for different settings or devices and Save
it/them to mdv1_ on the backup QLWP. Each blank page requires 5 sectors; if
wore than one iS used be sure each has a different name. After the first
wonth, the on-screen Help via Fl was never used - so, 1 deleted it from mdvi_
giving me more room there for things of more help.
3. With more than one printing device one must configure, usually, more
than one printer_dat. Without the assistance of a ram-disk doing more than
one tends to be a chore. What I did was to bring up install_bas (or is it
INSTALL_bas?), do the configuration changes and then replace the cartridge in
wdvl_ With another and install the replacement. If there are more than two
to do replace with another and install it. Make sure you know what is on
which though because they all have the same names: printer_dat and
install_dat will appear on each. What you are interested in though is
printer_dat. Get back to SuperBasic and put your QLWP backup in mdvl and
the other/first in mdv2_. Then, copy mdvd_printer_dat to mdv1_ptr_dat
(mdvl_typ_dat or any name and extension you Choose); do the same for the
second (or the third if you have one or both.) In QLWP once you are ready to
print go to F3, (O)ther, (F)ile, ‘(D)elete mdv1_printer_dat; ESC, (B)ackup
udvl_ptr_dat (or mdyl_typ_dat) as mdvi_printer_dat and you are ready to print
to your favorite device. :
4. If you are really set on making life easier, committing all of the
pre-sets loading, (D)elete and (B)acking up to a single keystroke and
speeding up QLWP very noticeably, purchase Turbo-Quill + (about $35 from an
UPDATE vendor) and follow the directions; T-Q+ will even ‘do it all
automatically (without even the keystroke) upon start-up by using the CTRL S
defined key.
JANUARY 1989 10 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGA‘: E JANUARY 1989
I share your view concerning the reliability of the microdrives and their
usability for around the home tasks. One of features which attracted me to
the QL was that it took up so little space and had a minimum of wires and
cables strung around. I have often considered a disk system which would make
QL-life even a easier but the used-space and clutter is just not worth it.
I also had a problem with a Procedure named SORT (Bob Hartung's thoughts,
page 44, UPDATE, Oct 88.) I would guess that somewhere in the QL ROM is
something named SORT which was supposed to do something but design and
marketing consideration aborted the effort ~ and it is still there causing
problems for ‘the unwary. SRT, SRTE (Fr?) or ST will work but not SORT. It
was a neat name for what I was doing and I hated letting it go - sort of like
how George Gobel felt when he remarked that by the time he was recognized and
the time came for him to pick out a disease to sponsor all of the good
diseases were taken.
Again, I enjoyed the issue, thank you and keep up the good work.
Very truly yours,
KM
John E. duergens
To John and others-- MULTIPLE LETTERS in QUILL: As can be seen, UPDATE's letter
volume is quite heavy. Most letters deserve a reply and that is time consuming.
The average letter output is about four per day. What I dois to type in 4-5 4
letters into Quill and pad out with ENTER's to the end of a page. Then the next
letter begins. Once I turn Quill loose for printing, the letters print in daisy
chain fashion. So if you should get a letter that starts on page 3, you'll know
why. While the 4-5 letters are printing there is time to stamp the envelopes with
return address and write in the persons’ name and address. Since I type about 682
WEM (kidding) the daily letter production time is about 4 minutes. Trouble is, I
type faster’n I think, and the literary composition "think time" is the msf (most
significant factor).
SLS: Once in awhile the SLS gets me and I have to re-think and re-type 4-5
letters. (Sudden Lock Syndrome). Fortunately my QL locks up only once or soa
week, and usually it is during QUILL operation. But I operate mostly with Quill
and maybe the software has nothing to do with SLS? Sometimes I can attribute SLS
to a flock of blackbirds landing on the power line coming into the house. Other
times the Wife turned on the microwave oven, and SLS grabbed me. The ole heat
problem ain't it because a re-set gets another week of free operation, Does
anybody have an understanding or a generic fix for SLS?? --BJ
QL REPAIR SOURCES
TS-2068 REPAIR SOURCES
UPDATE has mentioned these sources before, but there are many new subscribers and
it wont hurt to be repetitive. There are two "Fair and Square" sources for repairs
for the Ql. These are: 1. Dan Elliott, RT-1 Box 117, Cabool, MO 65689. 2. Tom
Bent, 9016 Flicker Place, Columbia, MD 21045. Both provide EXCELLENT repair
service, and the turn around time is about 2-4 weeks, depending upon work load. I
bave personally dealt with both and can recommend both for reliable service at very
reasonable cost. Dan Elliot also repairs the TS-2068. Also, if you have a need
for a computer modification which is recommended by one of the Magazines or
suppliers, Dan will do the modification if you furnish the article or technical
write up. One can never pin down an exact cost estimate because of the unknown
time and materials factors. This is even true when you take your TV to the shop.
So TRUSTS the key. You can trust these two individuals and each will get in touch
if the repair cost will be higher than normal expectations.
UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
11
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Bill Jones, Publisher
UPDATE Magazine
1317 Stratford Ave.
Panama City, FL 32494
Dear Bill:
Thanks for the reminder. I did indeed forget to send you my
renewal and am inclosing it with this letter.
Il find this new issue impressive in size and content. I
often have problems finding time to read all of the TS
publications I now receive, but now that IT am out of school
and winter is fast approaching (hopefully, I am a skier), J
hope to find mich more time to spend on my hobby.
You discussed briefly the Z88, which I personally bought
about two months ago from Sharps (a more helpful company I
can’t think of). IT use it to transport work between my
office and home, and also find myself by the pool and
backpacking with it on a regular basis. In case you have not 8.
had a chance to play with one yet, and if your readers need
more info on it, I would like to briefly express my opinions
on the Z88 here.
Having degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science, it is a pleasure to find a system that is properly
thought out. The 78s is a prime example of user
friendliness, compactness, and usefulness- a perfect example
of good design.
The market that it was designed for, low-cost portable
computing versus heavy, expensive, and power hungry MS-DOS
compatibility (1 know of very few people who need to actually
run MS-DOS specific programs on a portable), should fit the
needs of many TS computer owners. I myself also own a ZXB1
(semi-retired), TS2968, and a Q@L- sort of like having a
musuem of personal computing in my own house. And I use each
of them periodically.
The only problems with the 788 is the lack of support so far
in this country. Even though many dealers now handle it and
there is a user’s group (based in England), technical
information and additional programs are still short in
coming. I understand the technical manual is on the way
(Sharps is still waiting to receive them) and several
12
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZLNE. JANUARY 1989
programs are in the works (the on-board software may be
enough for many people). To illustrate this problem, a spell
checker has been announced— using English English, not
American. I don’t mind the spelling ’colour’ in manuals, but
I don’t think that I can get away with it in my reports.
If the 788 is properly supported (it seems to be off to a
good start, despite the temporary problems and delays), it
should find an appreciable nich in both the European and
American markets.
A comment on your plans to include programs on disks that
only have reviews published: please don’t if at all
possible! I feel that your disk service is excellent (I
until recently could not afford to take advantage of it but
might do so in the future). For those people who don’t mind
typing in programs or can’t afford to buy the disks, you
would just be depriving them (not toa mention driving them
crazy with the descriptions of what they can not get). For
long programs, I find it acceptable IF NECESSARY to spread
them out over two issues. If you still feel that you need to
do this, may I suggest that you offer disks with just these
unpublished programs, not those printed in the magazine.
Again, keep up the good work on the magazine, and thanks for
reminding me about my renewal!
James Hunkins
826 W. Fig Tree Place, Apt. 1914
baa y Salt Lake City, UT 84116
a
mes Hunkins Oct. 25, 1988
P.S. The number of advertisers you have is encouraging. I
am ordering from two of them at this time.
Dear Jim,
Thanks for renewing your subscription, and THANKS for the input about the
788. Iwill use all of what you wrote in the January issue. We need
continuing supporting articles about the 288 and I will anticipate more from
you as you have the time.
It is intriguing to me that a new computer comes out using the 280 CPU! I
believe that our TS-2068 programmers ard hardware developers will pick up on
the 288 and do some good work with it, because of their existing comfort in
Z-80 CPU assembly programming. I want to fully support the 288 users in
UPDATE and will try to develop wider writer support. We already have about
20 288 subscribers. (UP ThAT To OVER 5o Now |) Cont Wx Y.
JANUARY 1989 13 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
About the LISTINGS in UPDATE: I believe that you misunderstood. We will
continue to publish listings and tutorials. The problem is that some of the
FULL FLEDGED softwares for the QL are so long that it isn't practical to
publish the listing. Some are as long as 200K bytes of programming, which
would take up 40 pages for just the listing. But others, like Bob Hartung's
"Address File" program, are ideal for publishing both the Listing and the
documentation. Some longer programs and their listings may be published over
two issues. But two issues are separated by a three month time period,
which makes it essential that each episode of a continued presentation have a
stand alone capability. When some Machine Language programs evolve, their
whole code tables can likely be included in one issue. I discussed this at
great length with Bill Cable. His Refield program is just too long to be
listed. Nothing else will fit into one MDV cart. This really is a tough nut
to crack, but the problem provides a solution for another UPDATE objective.
Another objective of UPDATE is to sponsor the development of North American
Software sources. The issue disk series is designed to support both the
users and the programmers. Update takes only the expenses involved in
copying and distribution, amd the money left goes to the programmers. The
small compensation that a programmer receives from disk sales may be just
enough to entice him to continue to work and support us. You hit it on the
button! ‘There will be one article in almost every issue designed to "drive
you crazy to buy the issue disk"! Later we will carry the principle into
288 support.
Peter Hale, the editor of BOStug Newsletter, has a little software house
called EMSOFT. He has the identical objectives as given for the Issue Disk
program, "to assist programmers and to develop North American Support
Sources". If we can do that we will have good QL and 788 softwares that sell
for around $20-30 instead of being tied to English software that sells for
twice that amount. Then we will have American flavored spelling of such
words as colour and enclose, and we wont be tied to the Pound.
One 288 dealer, Mike Fink, 355 W. 39th St., NY, NY 10018-1401 (tel 212 695
8589), is working ona "Z88 User Guide". Mike saw the need for better and
clearer instructions and went to work on the project about 3 months ago. It
may be finished by now.
Thanks again for your input, and best wishes. Dont break a leg skiing. My
last skiing was at Aleska (near Anchorage Alaska). That slope is awesome.
Sincerely,
Bill Jones
14
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE |
JANUARY 1989
Creating EXPORT DATA FILES with PSION Softwares (Abascus~Quill)
Then IMPORTING them to QUILL
Mr. Charles Reise wrote a nice letter from the Gateway City. He
discribed a nice way to use Abascus for keeping his Bank Account straight. But the
importance of Charles' letter (to me) was not what he intended it to be. He stated,
"T have not yet learned to use QUILL, so I am PRINTING THIS LETTER USING QLSS". Now
here is ole Charles using the SPREAD SHEE (Abascus) for a word processor "as well
as" using it as a spread sheet to keep his checks from bouncing! Right off I
thought of two questions. 1. How can he do that? 2. How can I help ole Chuck to
slip his Abascus data files into QUILL.
Now, since I'ma QL Novice too, I had to take time out from alla this
scribe work to READ THE DURN MANUAL, and then "trial and error for to answer them
two questions". Chuck helped by providing his letter both on paper and ina MDV
cart as an ABASCUS FILE. What is an ABASCUS FILE? ans; It's a Spread Sheet Data
file SAVED by the Abascus program. It is distinct by its FILE EXTENSION, which is
“ aba". In other words, a SAVE while using Abascus will show up on MDV or Floppy as
"FRED ABA". (Pretty soon we'll be saying ABBA DABBA DO, like ole Fred does.)
B-R-D (before reading manual) I put QUILL in MDV1 and Chuck's in MDV2.
I LRUN MDV1 boot, (to get Quill started). Then I used F3 and punched O for Other to
get the second command set at top of screen. Then "E" for Files. Then an input
of the title with the .aba extension tagged on started the load in of Chuck's
letter. WRONG !! The file appeared to load, but only five characters appeared
in the Quill screen. ‘Then it was either MAN THE LIFE BOATS, or Study the Manual!! -
ARD "after reading manual" I discovered the steps neces$ary to EXPORT an
Abascus Data file "FROM ABASCUS", and then IMPORT the file TO QUILL. The emphasis
is important. Now if we should want some fancy Asian carved furnature, we can
IMPORT the goods ONLY AFTER some industrous Asians have made the furnature and then
put it on a boat to EXPORT it to us. "You can't import something unless it has been
BUILT right and then exported, kinda like the chicken and egg deal. In this case,
the file must be built right FIRST, and that is done with the software Abascus.
Now that we have the Thais happy, and a business principle established,
let us proceed with doing at it; ie, we will first prepare ole Chuck's letter, which
is an Abascus file. To do that we need to be in the Abascus environment. Remember
where the MDV"s are? Chuck's letter is in MDV2_ (Abascus), and QUILL is in MDV1.
I'll step it out.
1. LRUN MDV2 boot ENTER. This gets Abascus up and running.
2. Use the "L" for LOAD and enter the title letters only for the letter
file. Abascus "assumes" the ".aba" extension, and loads the file.
3. Use the "F" for Files command, ard then "B" for Export. Refer to the
top menu for guidance. If you get confused, punch Fl for HELP and the help file
will guide you. If still confused, keep this step in abeyance while reading up on
the Abascus and Information sections of the manual. (The QL will wait right here
until you're ready).
The significant point of this step is that the data in this Abascus file
will be SAVED with a new extension. If the file name that we are working with is
"PRED ABA", it will be saved as "FRED EXP". Since you have selected FILES and then
EXPORT, the Abascus program has been told to save the data file with an EXP
extension.
4. When the above works out for you, and MDV2 whirrs, you have EXPORTED
the FRED EXP data file, and it is in the ship “Mpv2", waiting to be IMPORTED.
—""'5. Use the "Q" for QUIT command to Quit Abascus.
6. Type DIR MDV2_ ENTER, to see the FRED_EXP file in thar, If it ain't
thar, then you dude somethin wrong and start over at 1 above. First, have a cupa,
while casually reading some more of the manual. ABBA DABBA DO! More's ah comin-~
JANUARY 1990 or UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
IMPORT FRED to QUILL
You DO remember where the MDV's are? Well, OK I'll tole ya a-gin.
Quill is in MDV1 and the Abascus cart (with Fred_exp) is in MDV2. (Also When is on
third base and Why is in Center Field). Got it? Lets keep on truckin.
7. Type LRUN MDV1_boot ENTER, to get Quill up and running.
8. Use F3 key to get the Quill Command menu at top. Now what we're
lookin fer ain't thar. We need the FILES command, which is hiding on the next page
of Commands. We get the next page by touching "0" for Other.
9. Touch "F" for FILES. Now we're gonna havta work in the dark. Our
next needed command ain't up thar in the top menu. You kin study up some more, but
I'll e'sist you a bit. What we're tryin our dum best to do is to IMPORT a FILE.
We done used the FILE command, so now we need to use the IMPORT command.
10. Now Quill is kinda smart and has done figured out what we're
stumblin around tryin to do. It already knows that we want MDV2, and we want to
load in a FILE.
11. Touch "I" for IMPORT. Now type the name of the file. Maybe it is
FRED. Then ENTER. The bottom prompt line changes about as we do alla these things.
If you want to study at it, then fool with Fl (HELP) as long as you want to. But
I'll tole you rat now that you're almost home free. Touch ENTER twice and the
FRED _EXP file will IMPORT into QUILL. Iffn it dont, then you dint pay tenshion and
done sumthin wrong. Have nother coffey break and study up some more. Then start
over at item seven above.
12. Now that the data in FRED EXP file is in QUILL, it is sitting there
in the same FORMAT that it was when it was SAVED from the tother program (Abascus),
If'n you dont like that format you can use the regular Quill command (Hit the F3 key ~
to do it), then "M" for MARGINS. You need to run the cursor up to the first line
FIRST, so that your new Margins will re~format the WHOLE gob of text. Otherways,
the new format will begin where the durn curser is.
13. PRINT ole FRED by using F3, then "P" for PRINT. When you do that,
ENTER to get past the first confusing step in the bottom prompt. Then I usually
input a "one" to start printing at page 1, then another "one" to tole it to stop
printing at the end of page one. When page one prints, keep on doin it with F3 till
all of FRED prints out.
---Now Chuck, you ort to be able to step through alla that and start
using Quill fer yer printing. But I want to tole ya that I learn't quite a lot frum
yer letter. I'll step out what I learn't and dint learn'd.
14, Abascus CAN be used as a word processor, amd it does a pretty good
job at it, but not with nearly as much printing control as Quill. I can think of
cases where Abascus would be useful to store a half dozen letters or Business
invoices in its spread sheet pages to selectively print each one as needed.
15. There are some limitations about how to prepare files for EXPORT. I
found some fuzzy stuff about how some characters in an .EXP file will STOP a Quill
IMPORT "right there", so I'll be ah studyin at the manual some more fer shore.
16. Now Chuck, since you're one of the few who started working with
Abascus afore you did Quill, YOU can tole us a lot of us about the ins and outs of
Abascus. You're welcome to do just that. Now to kid youa bit. I was travelling
up in mid PA once and saw a horse PUSHING a wagon. Most QL users get started first
with Quill. But thats alright, as gettin at the destination is whut's important an
it dont matter none wher's ye's a pushin or a pullin, eh?.
17. Nother piece'a wisdum is that once'st a guy's larn't about one'a the
PSION jobbies, most of the stuff'll be used when he gets inta nother of the PSION
pieces, When I loaded up Abascus (the first time), its way of trapsin round in the
procedures wuz all very similiar like to Quill's way of a dunin at it, and vice
versa, same fer the tothers. Alla this is real good fer us an we ort to be's ah
learnin at it. ABBA DABBA DO!! We dude it!! Fun, eh? --BU. ae
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
16
UPDALE MAGAZLNE JANUARY 1989
ANOTHER (k#@7%$+!) QL BEGINNER TIPSTBR
By: Oscar Sensabaugh, R.O.C
Well, Old Bill suggested I might want to take up where he
left off in the new "QL BEGINNERS COURSE” in the October ‘88
UPDATE!. Bein the onery cuss I am, my counter-suggestion is
that seein as he is doin real great so far, I druther put my
two-bits worth in the next issue, givin my views on more or
less what he done commented on in the first place. That way
you get two fer the price of one, more or less.
Just to set the record straight, what I got 1s a plain old
unexpanded QL, QL and Smith-Corona printers, Magnavox RGB
Monitor 80, and the bundled Psion software. I like QL Quill,
but. More on that later.
The QL printer is usually the one hooked up to “seri”, as
it is one heckova lot more versitile than the S-C daisywheel.
But I’m kinda hooked on the "Tempo ASCII 10/12” print wheel I
can use on the S-C. Same cable serves both printers, provided
the S-C dip switches are properly set and the S-C print
driver is installed in the QL Quill "work copy”. I use two of
them dang "work copies” of Quill, properly labeled, forcing
myself to decide which printer I'm gonna use B4 I load up.
With the S-C driver installed and the dip switches
properly set, the S-C printer will do bold and underline from
the Quill TYPEFACE menu (F4).
The QL printer gets more complicated, but dang well worth
the effort! (It will be somewhat easier iffen you can buy,
beg, borrow, or steal a copy of Mike De Sosa's book! I agree
with Bill that the QL manual aint what it outta be.) Anyhow,
the dang "Hpson” driver hidin out on the Quill cartridge will
work with many of the current dot matrix printers. Where the
trick comes in (and where Mikes book kinda leads you by the
hand) is in settin up the TRANSLATE options, using CONTROL
CODES from your particular PRINTER MANUAL (some of which aint
much better than the dang original QL manual). This throws a
strange symbol or two on the screen when invoked, but nat to
worry-it don't print, just shifts gears in your printer! Fer
example, to start this off, I hit a (three-fingers-all
together) CTRL-SHIFT-H, which showed a "C” with a dang tail
on it on the screen. This when combined with the BOLD option
from the TYPEFACE (F4) menu will give a printout that old
Bill can reproduce no sweat. An option I use frequently is
CTRL-SHIFT-I (which produces italics).It may be combined with
BOLD for great results or combined with LOW and BOLD to
produce a small but very readable type I find to be very
attractive for footnotes! I even got one that puts well over
100 chars per line on standard letter-size paper, leaving
decent margins. (And dija know that with the MARGINS option
from the COMMANDS (F3) menu you can run that right cursor
right past 80 and keep on truckin on up to 1207 Took ma
while to discover that accidentally! Does make it a bit
confusing to edit the result on-screen...)
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
17
UPDATE MAGAZINE. JANUARY 1989
Also took a while to figger out that the way to zap that
dang automatic page number was to consider it a FOOTER, and
select "F" and “NONE” from the COMMAND menu (F3).
Quill can do some sneaky stuff, like change typeface while
you aint lookin. Aint figgured that out yet, but one cure is
to go back to start of the document before you print and
reset BOLD and PAINT both and paint the whole document iffen
that's the way you want it.
And watch out on long documents!
The first time, somewhere into the third page of an
important document, I looked up from ny notes to the screen
and saw that Quill was gonna save what I had to mdiv2, dang
it, it was freak out time! Naturally, no cart. in drive plus
no FORMATTED cart. available! To make it a short story, in
the confusion some good poop was lost, and forevermore there
IS and WILL BE a supply of FORMATTED CARTRIDGES readily
available! My preference is to use a basic FOR-HEXT loop
program to format at least 5 times, and run it again if the
report does not stabilize......and actually, doin a save
every coupla pages IS cheep insurance.
Barly on, miv2 went kaput. It always had a different sound
from that of mdvi...who knows? A coupla spares were ordered
from Sharps Inc. (should have ordered more, they aint that
cheep nowadays) and after many trials and tribulations «aint
a heckuva lotta open space inside in that corner, which
probably contributes to the heat problems that have been
reported) miv2is back in action. Still aint, got the same
sound as mdvl....
When I get one of them famous round TUITS this dang QL is
going to have a coolin fan added. What I got in mind is one
of them 3 to 6 volt motors and one of them inexpensive power
supplies from Radio Shack, a home—brew blower «cut outta a
Coors Lite can maybe), and a chunk of the XYL’s discarded
panty-hose fer a dust filter. If anybody's got a better idea,
send it along to old Bill and maybe he’1l print it.
BCNU.
18
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZII%
TS-2068 VARS Save and Re-Load
For Larken LKDOS or Cassette
PDATE is
Public Domain,
9900 RANDOMIZE USR 100: QPEN #4,
“pb": RANDOMIZE USR VAL "100": 0
PEN #3,"lp": LET elin=l: LET var
LET x$="111 LE
LET z2$="1l1l11.cl"s Lb
LET h8
1Li":
"hill
vars=PEEK 23627+256*PEE
FOR n=l TO 1: NEXT n
elin=PEEK 23641+256*PEE
9910 LET
K 23628:
K 23042
9920 LET x$=STR$ (PEEK 23627): L
BT y$=STR$ (PEEK 23623)
9925 1F LEN x$<3 THEN LET x$=
R$ O+x$:.GO TO VAL "9925"
9930 1F LEN y$<3 THEN LET y$=ST
R$ Oty$: GO TO 9930
9935 LET 1$=STR$ (elin-vars~1)
9940 IF LEN 1$<5 THEN LET 1$=ST
R$ O+1$: GO TO 9940
9945 LET z$=1$+".cl"
9950 LET h8O=PEEK 23641+256*PEEK
23642-1
9965 PRINT "“elin=";elin;TAB 12;"
r=";PEEK 23641+256*PEEK 23642
vars=";vars;TAB 12;"Vadr=
23627+256*PEEK 23628'' "Length
71$''Length verif=";(PEEK 236
41+256*PEEK 23642)-(PBEK 23627+2
56*PEEK 23628)-1''"VlIsb x$ TAB
14;"Vmsb=";y$''"Vlen=";2$;TAB 1
5;"is Sor # of SAVE"''"h80=";h80
;TAB 14;"Verif=";PEEK (PEEK 2364
14+256*PEEK 23642-1)
9970 PRINT ''“ENTER When Ready":
PAUSE 0: RANDONIZE USR 100: SAV
E_zS$CODE_ vars, VAL 1¢
9972 REM Pad xxXXXXXXXXKXXXXXK
9980 CLEAR : RANDOMIZE USR 100:
OPEN }4, "dd": RANDOHIZE USR 100:
OPEN $3, "LP": RANDOMIZE USR 100
Sear
9985 DIM k$(8): INPUT “Input Bc
hr Title of vars CODE “;k$: Dili
v$(VAL k$( TO 5)-8)
9990 POKE 23297,INT (VAL k$( TO
5)/256): POKE 23296,(VAL k$( TO
5)-PEEK 23297*256): RANDOMIZE US
R100: LOAD kSCODE (BEEK 23627+2
50*PEEK 23628):
9995 LET n=PEEK 23627+256*PEEK 2
36284+PBEK 23296+256*PEEK 23297:
POKE n,128: LET n=nt+l: POKE 2364
2, {NT (n/256): POKE 23641,n-PEEK
23642*256: POKE n-1,128
oa
JANUARY 1989
TS-2068 VARS SAVE and RE-LOAD
A Useful Utility, and one to
Learn with,
While designing software I got
kinda used to providing a quick Data CLEAR,
and re-LOAD of a program variable file.
This lets the user zap out data that has
already been printed, or is otherwise
useless, and start afresh.
When I got involved in converting
some softwares to use with LKDOS, the
missing vars SAVE-LOAD was not a BIG deal,
but was missed. Now I have always taken
the position that ANY THING that can be
done in Machine Code programming can also
be done in BASIC, albeit slower. Most
times a routine in BASIC can be installed
with less memory usage. Advantages of
BASIC also includes the reduction of EPROM
chips. So, the VARS Save~Load utility was
designed to prove the point. It turned out
to be useful enough to add to software as a
G TO Subroutine.
MOVING TARGETS, are System
variables VARS and ELINE. Also, while
piddling around I discovered that ole Larry
Kenny had fiddled with PROG. I'll get that
one out of the way in a hurry. PROG isn't
one 'o them amphibian reptiles, but isa
System Variable that denotes "the memory
address where the first Basic Program line
starts" in RAM. Apparantly Larry needed
50 bytes of extra space for part of his new
VERSION 3 DOS Printer driver. So he just
shifted PROG up 50 addresses.
LKDOS users who do not yet have
the Version 3 EPROM, are in about the same
shape the girl whose strap broke. LKDOS
VERSION 3 kinda holds all of the good
curves together. The V-3 EPROM is a
substantial upgrade and can be purchased
for about $15.
Anyway, when the LKDOS printer
driver is initialized via RANDOMIZE USR
100: OPEN #3, "LP", that frog (PROG) jumps
up from address 26710 to 26760, not a big
hop, but enough to make a programmer pay
attention. Now if PROG has your mind
jumping, try PRINT PEEK 23635+256* PEEK
23637. | Thats where your program begins in
Memory. Where does the program END? Ans:
"one address below VARS".
To find VARS, PRINT PEEK
236274256 * PEEK 23628. Now thats where
your VARIABLE file BEGINS. Normally the
19
JANUARY 1989
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZI1 | i
e:
So the
Version 3 LKDOS printer driver moves it up
50 spaces. That doesn't hurt anything, but
at the same time, VARS also is moved UP 50
frog (PROG) sits at adr 26710.
addresses. Programs to work in Dock Bank
Memory shifts PROG up to adress 32776.
When trapsying around in programming we
need to know what log the frog (PROG) is
sitting upon.
So, now we know where the Basic
Program starts in memory, and where the
Variable file starts (or how to PEEK and
find out).
Where does the variable file
END? Ans: one address below ELINE. To
find ELINE, PRINT PEEK 23641+256* PEEK
23642. ELINE is the next memory address UP
from the END of the VARS file, so if we
PEEK ELINE with the above formula, and
subtract 1, we get the TOP address of the
Variable file. FELINE starts a small area
called "The Edit Buffer". The edit buffer
is where a program line is when you pull it
down to the bottom with EDIT.
There is one important address in
this discussion. This is one address BELOW
ELINE. This is the address that the
TS-2068 uses to END “lookin at for
Variables". The TS-2068 puts a "80h" there.
You can peek it if you like. PEEK
23641+256* PEEK 23642-1 should return 128,
which is decimal for 80 hex. We could say
that this is the last address of the
variable file, but it does not contain a
variable. The TS-2068 puts a 128 there as
a "marker signal".
Lets PEEK and find that "80h" or
128 decimal. PEEK 23641+256* PEEK 23642-1.
If you dont get 128 your computer is sick.
POKE 23641+256* PEEK
23642-1,0. Now that will mess things up.
Doing that eliminates the 128 and the
TS-2068 forgets where to store the next
variable. After doing that any new
variable wont take. Like, LET zl=l. Then
PRINT zl will get "varable not found".
Now POKE the 128 back where it
belongs and your computer will work right
again (POKE 23641+256* PEEK 23642-1,128).
COPING with Moving Targets, VARS
and ELINE-
Everytime a new variable is
initialized, ELINE and "80h" moves up. So,
in order to SAVE the variable file one must
tie it down so that it doesn't wiggle
JANUARY 1989
20:
JANUARY 1989
around during the SAVE. Then upon RE-LOAD,
new variables cannot be introduced to allow
the "80h" and ELINE to escape.
PROGRAM ANALYSIS:
The underlined lines are LKDOS
syntax. ‘To use with Cassette, change these
to regular TS-2068 commands for LOAD or
SAVE.
Line 9900 begins by initializing
all of the variable that will be used in
the program. String variables, such as 2$
must contain exactly the number of
characters in the initialization as the
string will contain later in the program.
RANDOMIZE USR 100: OPEN #4,"dd"
initializes LKDOS. Then RANDOMIZE USR 100:
OPEN #3,"LP" initializes the LKDOS v-3
Printer Driver. At that command, Systems
Variable PROG jumps up from 26710 to 26760,
and a programmer's life is made tolerable
by knowing where these goodies are.
Lines 9910 through 9950 assigns
the variables to work with, These vars”
will be SAVED with the existing variable
file, and after re-loading a file from disk
they can be used to tie up where "80h" and
ELINE must be set. It is significant that
Assigning these Varibles does not change
the SYSTEM VARIABLES "VARS and ELINE".
This is because they were already
initialized to the proper lenght at line
9900.
Line 9965 may be deleted. It is
screen print given for understanding the
essential variables amd to show their
correlation.
Line 9970 SAVES the variable file
from "VARS", which is (now) at address
26760 with the Version 3 initialized- to
the address that contains "80h". Remember
that 80h is at one address BELOW ELINE.
Since none of these addresses are
FIXED, the program PEEKS and finds them
“wherever they are".
It is sigficant that although the
contents of address of 80h is included in
the CODE SAVE, somehow that address content
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAG E
changes, and a RE-LOAD of a CODE variable
file must be followed by finding and POKING
that elusive address with 128 (80 hex).
Also note in line 9970 that the
CODE file is saved with a NAME that isa
nunber. 2$ contains the "byte length"
followed by the LKDOS file extension ".Cl".
Upon re-LOAD of a vars file this file name
will be used in computations by extracting
the five digits. We will do that with the
VAL and STR$ functions. For example, if
the file name were "02340.Cl", then the
file would contain 2340 bytes. We can
extract the 02340 by "PRINT VAL Z$ ( TO 5).
Try this for proof: <LET z$="02340.C1":
PRINT VAL 2$( TO 5).
So, the variable file is SAVED
with a "File Serial Number" which signifies
its Byte Length.
Now note that line 9972 has a REM
pad of several characters. This is to let
you add more variables if you like, amd
STOPS, in order to make the utility more
flexible. If you add vars, be sure to add
their initialization (with their proper
length) up in line 9900. You can adda
STOP to check out the computations.
Compensate for STOP: by deleting two x's in
order to keep ELINE from moving. Add two
x's when you remove the STOP:.
RE-LOADING a Vars file
Note that imediately after the
SAVE, line 9980 picks up and operates.
First, the vars are CLEARED. Then LKDOS
and Version 3 Printer driver are
initialized.
Then the LKDOS Disk Catalog
presented on screen for a new Vars
Load.
is
File
Line 9985 begins a fancy bit of
footwork. We know that all vars file
"names" will contain 8 characters, the
first five of which will be the data length
of the file. So, we DIMENSION KS(8). Then
an INPUT is put on screen to INPUT the file
name,
Next in line 9985, we DIMENSION
V$ to be the length of the code file "minus
the length of K$. So, the total dimension
JANUARY 1989
JANUARY 1989
length of
name.
file is
of both k$ and V$ equals the byte
the code file as told by the file
Later, when the code
loaded, it will wipe out (write over) KS
and VS, so we need to preserve the five
numbers contained in the title. We do this
at line 9990. The five digit number in the
title, and now in K$, is factored into a 8
bit word. The most significant byte is
poked to address 23297 and the [ib is poked
into address 23296. These two addresses
are in the TS-2040 Print Buffer, amd safe
from CLEAR.
For better understanding of the
POKES, you can check these formulas out in
the Direct Mode with PRINT instead of POKE.
Next, with our file length safely
tucked away in the print buffer, Line 9990
continues and LOADS the code file starting
at VARS. As the code file loads in it
completely writes over both K$ and V$.
Line 9995 applies the Coupe de
grace, by using PEEK to assign variable N
the value of VARS. Then the byte length of
the code is PEEKED out of the print buffer
and added to N. N now is the address where
"80h" belongs, so it is POKED 128.
N is then incremented by one, to
become the address where ELINE should be
set.
Then the Most significant byte
and §sb of ELINE are POKED the two values
of "N address", so that the TS-2068 will
know how we stirred it's porridge.
Finally, for good measure, we POKE the 80h
address again.
In line 9995 there appears to be
a contradiction. We use "variable N", and
that changes things, doesn't it? Well, it
would, except for the fact that "N" is one
of the variables previously initialized in
the program that SAVED the variables. See
line 9910,
The VARS SAVE and LOAD Utility
may be MERGED to any Basic Program and used
as a Sub-Routine. Add line 9999 REIURN,
for a GO SUB routine, or 9999 GO TO line x,
for the routine if GO TO is used. The
routine allows a menu item to be included
within a program to elect CLEARING the
PROGRAM and RE-LOAD of a selected vars file
to be added back to the program. These can
be either a file to re-initialize for a
CLEAN program, or to LOAD a DATA File.
21°
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
THE OCTOBER 87-JANUARY 88 ISSUE
LKDOS DISK
Disk Name : OCT87/Jan88
FORMAT. BO 001 Hcode.Co ool
AUTOSTART 002 Purity.Bl ool
ml.A$ 005 LLOOK.B1L ool
fm.Cl 002 pg.cl 002
fo.cl 002 ml.cl 002
epr.Cl 002 prog.Bl 001
J-UTIL.B1 002 vars.Bl 001
pseudo.Bl 001 MURG.BL 002
USING.B1 001 PROMPT.B1 ool
MENAG.BL 001 PSTAT.B1 ool
BRIEF.B1 001 BRIEF.B2 002
mterm.Bl 001 mterm2.Cl 002
mterm.CT 002 PGMOV.B1 ool
pgmov.B2 0U1 PROG.BL ool
PROG.B2 O01 USA.B1 ool
HUMOR.B1 O01 HR.CL 002
GAME] .BL 002 PrgADD.Bl ool
Kmath.Bl 001 GAME2.B1 002
Pscren,Bl 001 TESTER.B1 002
TIP.Cl 002 TIPS-1.Bl 006
TIPS-2.B1 006 cp.cl 002
A-MEM.B1 ool
LARKEN LKDOS 1986
Track/Side 040/002
Total Files 043
Free Blocks 005
The following MAX DOS program
lines did these column printing
and the LKDOS CATALOG of the
October 87~-January 88 Issue Disk
Note that line 10 first initial-
izes the Oliger Printer driver,
then pokes a line length, then
prints the Header.
Next, the LKDOS is initialized,
and disk #3 is selected. Then
caT "", gets the directory.
Since Channel #2 is OPENED in
the conventional manner, PRINT
goes to the printer instead of
the screen (LIST also).
JANUARY 1989
22
RANDOMIZE USR 100 is used in
lieu of PRINT #4 to preceed the
LKDOS commands. Actually both
work in most instances, but
RANDOMIZE USR 100 is less likely
to introduce conflicts between
the two DOS EPROMs.
Now we will LIST the program and
then CLOSE #2 so that the next
PRINT will be to the screen
THE MAX DOS PROGRAM LISTING
10 LET /p=o: POKE 23323,32: OP
EN #2,"P": PRINT “THE OCTOBER 87
-JANUARY 88 ISSUE"'"LKDOS DISK"!
': RANDOMIZE USR 100: OPEN #4,"D
D": RANDOMIZE USR 100: GO TO 3:
RANDOMIZE USR 100: CAT "",: PRIN
a)
The following MAX DOS pro
gram"'“lines did these column pr
inting and the LKDOS CATALOG of
the October 87-January 88 Iss
ue Disk"''
20 PRINT "Note that line 10 fi
rst initial-izes the Oliger Prin
ter driver, then pokes a line le
ngth, then prints the Header,"%
‘"Next, the LKDOS is initialized
, and disk #3 is selected. Then
CAT """", gets the directory."
ue
30 PRINT "Since Channel #2 is
OPENED in the conventional man
ner, PRINT goes to the printer
instead of the screen (LIST als
o)."
34 CLOSE #2: CLS : PRINT "Adju
st page for Col 2"''"Tnen ENTER"
: PAUSE 0: CLS : OPEN #2,"P"
40 PRINT "RANDOMIZE USR 100 is
used in lieu of PRINT #4 to
preceed the LKDOS commands. Act
ually both work in most instanc
es, but RANDOMIZE USR 100 is
less likelyto introduce conflic
ts between the two DOS EPROMs."
''s PRINT “Now we will LIST the
program andthen CLOSE #2 so that
the next PRINT will be to the
screen"''" THE MAX DOS PROGRAM L
ISTING"'': LIST
42 CLOSE #2
50 LET /d=l: CAT : INPUT "Ente
r Title to LOAD";a$: LOAD Jas: R
EM Cat the Iger Disk and LOAD
a Oliger Disk Program.
JANUARY 1989
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
fre. Bill Jones
UP-DATE MAGAZLNE
1317 Stratford Ave.
Panama City, FL 32404
JANUARY 1989
Anas Woancd Ge. Amman ania. ' ©
<oen> 388-9249 Oetober 48.
Deer Bill,
the July August issue of Time Designs Magazine contains 9 review oF
PC-LAPORT, in which Michagl E. Carver describes a recent packaye
designed to import
problem is that,
commends to SuperBASLC, the
IBM or Micreseft BASLC Programs to the OL. aw
while PC-LMPORT does convert some oF the BASIC
crossover list is quite Limited. uF
mands vill transfer perfectly withoul any
course, many of theo!
syntax changes, boo. However, . heave downloaded several ibm
compatible BASLC programs to the QL, Gi don’t have PE-LMPORT) and
Lhete ere almost always a lot of “Mistake” (ac Flagged by
SUperBASLC) Lines Lo correct. it sounds Like PC-AMPORT will
correct only a Few of — them. PC-1IMPORT adde several other
Capabilities and 4’m sure it would be a welcome addition bo
Loolkit.
‘The enclosed Listing contains three
wilh LBM BASIC Files that eliminate the need to trens
1%, and RIGHTS commands. They accept the
the JBM program. 1t would be useful with
LE
and arguments as
PU-LMPORT, ~ but if you have a modem oar
still pul these to good use.
SuperBASLC FUNCTIONS to merye
late the MLDS,
same procedure nemne
nd a download progrem, you car
The First few lines simply illustrate
how they ere used in @ progrem. x
Ihe SAVLT PROCedure
programs under
deleting and reseving your program eat
also ensures that you don’t misspell the name,
errors, ab least for me.
“S" for a single character beckup,
Sincerely,
feb Wantbe!
Gale Jlenslee
JANUARY 1989
development. It repleces the whole
thet 1 almost always edd vo
routine of
ch time you meke a backup. 1b
a@ Frequent ‘source of
orf course, the name could be changed to
but 1 can remember SAVLT
is a one Liner
EBMbtoOlL_bas Ppese
100 nS=-"Pennsylvenio and Texes”
15@ PRINT n&
200 PRINT RIGHTS (nS, 5) 5 MLDS (HS, 13, 5) ;sLEF TS (ns, 12)
11000 DEFine PROCedure savit:DELETE mdvi_iBMtoQL_bes:SAVE mdv4_
LBrtoQl_bas:END DEF ine
12000 DEFine FuNction LEF TS (NAMES, LL)
12010 ANSS=NAMES (1 TO LL
1202@ RETurn ANSS
12038 END DEF ine
12040 DEF ine FuNction RIGHTS (NAMES, LL)
12050 START=LEN (NAMES) ~LL +1
42060 IF SIART=@ THEN RETUrn ANSS="”
12078 ANSS-NANES (START TO LEN (NAMES) >
12080 RETurn ANSS
12090 END DEF ine
12100 DEFine FuNction MLDS (NAMES, ST, LL)
12110 ANSS=NANES(ST 10 ST+LL~1) UPDATE MAGAZINE,
42120 RETurn ANSS
12130 END DEF ine
23
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
WOOD AND WIND COMPUTING
603 675 2218
Bill Cable : RR-2 Box 92 : Cornish, NH 03743
Dear Bill,
At the end of this letter you will find information about changes I made for the
Cable issue disk. I feel that with these changes the overall quality will be
greatly improved.
The Cable Column looked very good. You did a nice job in laying it out. It is
nice to get so much material in one issue. Most publications are limited in
space so yours really stands out for its size.
I am making a new version of REFIELD plus adding a few new ARCHIVE utilities into
a package. Iwish that I knew of a way to start up an Archive Program
automatically but unfortunately it takes two steps, First you must boot up
Archive, and then type 'RUN (program)' from the Archive Menu.
Your idea about having all of the PSION softwares on a disk with a menu to boot
whichever one needed is good. But, you have to be careful what you INITIALIZE,
because I, for one, do not have Speed Screen in ROM, so your first line crashes
with my system with the ' SPEED' statement. If you initialize anything you'll
have to trap possible errors by using WHEN ERROR. Then a user who does not have
the capability that you try to initialize wont experience a crash.
There was a good series in the Curry Report about using WHEN ERROR. If you dont
have all of the issues of the Curry Report I would suggest that you get them.
They have lots of good tips and also give a nice chronology of the QL in North
America.
I dont like to use "FLP_USE MDV_" because then you cannot use the real MDV when
you want to. Instead, Yun the CONFIG BAS program supplied with the PSION
programs and specify which floppy or mdy that you want to use as the default
device. One thing is clear. We have to be very careful and try to spell out
very carefully what QL configuration is needed to run a particular piece of
software. There are so many ways of setting up the QL. Up until now all of my
software has been designed to work on any system, but there is a need for Trump
Card Specific software because so much more power is available with Trump.
The TRUMP CARD tool kit is very powerful but the manual leaves a lot to
be desired. Do you know that '<ALT><ENTER>' retypes your last line.
That ‘'SDP_KEY p<ENTER>' will allow you to do a screen dump every time
you press '<ALT>p' (it takes 20 seconds to begin). Try running the
program I put on the disked called ‘quili_hotkeys’ and after running it
start up QUILL. then
<ALT>p will print out your document
<ALTOt will take you to the top
<ALT b will take you to the bottom
“<ALT>1 will activate load
<ALTOS will activate save
<ALTO£E will activate find(search)
How to set this up is under ‘ALTKEY' in the TC manual. A series of
articles on all the features of the TRUMP CARD would be very handy.
JANUARY 1989 24 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
Changes for the Cable Issue Disk and Cartridge
JANUARY 1989
I made changes to 3 files and you should update your copies of them to
go out on the Cable Issue Disk. They changed files are +: scan_prg,
helper, and helper_doc.
Scan_prg has only a very minor change. A little
needs to be mentioned about the change.
lielper has had a major revision. It does
more flash and it does a few new things. I wasn’t
‘bug’. Nothing really
everyting it use to but with
really happy with the
old helper so I made it into something that is much more professinally
done. You should definitely mention that it has been improved to anyone
who buys the disk.
Helper_doc has been enlarged to explain in more detail.
You might want
to include a listing of it with each disk otherwise make clear that
they should print it out because there
_ magazine text. b
(Signed, Bill Cable)
Editor's notes: Bill's letter refers to a disk that I
had stuffed all four of the PSION softwares into one
are major differences from the -
had sent to him, where I
floppy, along with his
HELPER Tool Kit program. Each of the PSION BOOT programs was changed to "Qboot
(Quill), Sboot (Spread Sheet), Dboot (Data Base), amd Bboot (Bus Graph). Then -
HELPER was saved as the "BOOT" program. The whole stew worked fine for me, but
the porridge had too much sauce for him. I had initialized both TK2_EXT and
_SPEED 2, ard made the mistake of locking out Micro Drive with "FLP_USE MDv". He
did a good job explaining this novice's mistooks, dont you think?
Bill's updates and improvements to the Cable Disk (MDV)
programs came in time to
update the disks amd mdv's before orders were received. So, all of the
improvements are included. I like the HELPER program so much that I always boot
it in first, no matter what software I intend to use. When HELPER boots in, all
of the tool kit functions are available, and the HELPER Menu serves as a “Master
Menu" for all other softwares in my disk and mdv library. I can quickly "check
out" a disk or mdv by popping it in and selecting DIRECTORY at the HELPER Menu.
This allows one to quickly check the contents of as many mdvs or disks as
necessary to select the one that has the program desired. If I want toruna
program, that disk or mdv directory is presented in a screen window for easy
selection.
Update rates HELPER as an OUTSTANDING group of management utilities, useful to
both those who DO HAVE disk drive and those who DO NOT have disk drive. HELPER is
a friendly program and I have not found any "Gotcha!
s" in it that cannot be
overcome by a simple RUN command to get back the main menu. HELPER is extensively
documented within the program by reading files that cal
in be selected from menu.
These help files may also be printed to paper. The use of split screen windows
presents complete information about two disks or mdvs plus all of the functions
available. WHOLE copy of all files from any storage device to any other storage.
device is just one of the options. When ready one can quickly boot in another
operating program from menu.
HELPER is only one-fourth of the contents of the Cable I
ssue Disk (MDV). See the
discription of the other programs contained in the Cable Issue Disk in the
"library page" near the back page of this issue.
JANUARY 1989 25
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
HELPER
A SUPERBASIC Program for the QL by Bill Cable
The HELPER program is a set of useful toolkit-like functions
presented ina menu format. Most of the functions deal with file
handling. It will work with all configurations of QLs, expanded or
unexpanded, toolkit or no toolkit, floppies or no floppies. It
earries out its functions with single key presses where possible,
so it is very quick and easy to use. It provides multiple windows
of directories and menus to keep the user visually informed on
what is happening. This makes it much easier for the beginning QL
user to develop a grasp of file usage in the QL environment.
Although the PSION programs (ARCIIIVE, QUILL, ABACUS, EASEL) have file
maintenance commands, they are cumbersome to use and HELPER can be
run before or after them to clean up directories or make backups.
To Run :
type : ‘lrun {}helper'’ where {)=device holding IIELPER
You are presented the HELPER Menu. Experiment a little and
get a feel for how the commands are presented and carried
out. The functions that make serious changes are deleting
files and formatting cartriges or floppies. You can play with
the other functions without harm. Stop the program and return”
to QDOS ‘option 8) when through.
HELPER Menu Options :
1. Directory of a device with file copy,delete, view options.
The directory is constantly displayed while the functions
are being carried out
Copy medium either all(clone) or selective. The source and
target mediums are both displayed. Select ‘all copy' to
copy all files from source to target(clone source). Select
‘selective copy’ to pick certain files to copy from source
to target. You are then prompted about each file with a
'Ly/n/a/ql’, which means press 'y’ to copy, 'n’ not to,
‘a’ to begin 'all copy’, ‘'q' to quit copy.
iS}
3. Print a file to a printer attached to serl. All text ina
file will be faithfully printed. All nontext will print as
‘x’. It works fine for listing SUFRBASIC programs and many
other files, although slower than normal because of the
character translation. Quill _doc files have all the text
printed plus a lot of 'x*’s and the form is not the same as
printing from Quill. It is handy,nevertheless, to see what
is in any file and the print can be aborted if desired.
JANUARY 1989 26 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
HELPER Documentation page 2
4. Set time and date. You will notice the date and time and
the elapsed time HELPER has been running in the lower
right of the HELPER menu screen, When you first start your
QL “cold boot) the date and time are incorrect unless you
have a battery clock. Once you set it with this option it
will remain correct even if the QL is reset (warm boot).
5. Load and run a program from a specified device. You can
start one of the PSION programs from its boot program or
any named SUPERBASIC program by naming its file name.
6. Open for your own additions
7. Also open.
8. Quit HELPER and set windows. Either have the normal <F1>
windows or have full width #1 and #2 overlapping windows
after leaving HELPER. After returning to Qpos type
‘run¢ENTER>’ or 'helper<ENTER>' to restart HELPER. To
clear HELPER from the QL memory type : ’new<ENTER>'.
9. Hints about NELPER. Very briefly describes the program
0. Format a medium 1 to 9 times. All new cartridges should
be formatted 5 times. Floppies need only 1 format. If you
want to reuse an old cartridge or floppy you can reformat
it, as long as you don’t mind losing whatever is on it.
You are forced to give a name for the formatted medium
Use a name up to 8 characters that describes what the
medium will be used for. If the sector count varries a lot
when a cartridge is formatted several times, reformat it
until you get a smaller count and be wary of it.
Hints :
The QL has a WHEN ERROR routine to trap errors but in the standard
QL it is flawed. In order to keep this program simple and
universal, I avoided trapping errors. I am planning a more complex
version of this program that will trap errors that will be
available later. There is a fair bit of input checking to prevent
errors happening but not every one can be prevented, Trying to
copy a nonexistent file somewhere will stop the program or trying
to copy to a file that already exisits will also. If the program
stops you will be in QDOS and you should note the cause of the
error and restart the program by typing : *run<ENTER>' or
‘helper<ENTER>'s. The difference being that the elapsed time
(bottom right of HELPER menu screen) is reset to 0 when you ’run'
You should always ’run’ or ‘irun’ the first time
JANUARY 1989 27 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
HELPER Documentation page 3
A device is a plece of hardware that reads and writes information
to amass storage medium. So microdrive 1 (mdvl_> is a device
that holds a microdrive cartridge (a storage medium). The QL comes
with mdvl_ and mdv2_ built in. You can add 2 floppies (flp1l_ and
flp2_) and some toolkits and software allow you to use computer
memory (RAM) as a simulated device (rami_ and ram2_, etc.). All
devices except RAM devices retain their information when power is
turned off. The mediums that go in devices must also be formatted
before first use. If Ram is formatted it is called static (fixed
size) and if it is not it is called dynamic (its size grows with
need).
All information stored on a medium is done so as a file, A file is
the collection of your information in a structured form. A file is
accessed by specifying its name. The QL is very flexible about
Rhames and the '_' “underscore) is used as a handy divider for
parts of names of a file. In many computer systems the
(period) is used in exactly the same way. A QUILL file would be
totally identified as : mdv@_letter_doc. Where 'mdv2_' gives the
device location, 'letter' is the main name, and ' doc’ is QUILL’s
extension for easy identification.
The PSION programs are not as flexible about the names of files.
they allow. Their file names can have a main body of only &
characters and each usage has a specific extension. ARCHIVE uses
'_dbf’ for database files. QUILL uses ' doc’ for documents. ABACUS
uses ’_aba' for spreadsheets. Others are '_exp’ and ' lis’. That
means that when you save(create) or load(open,look) a file with
one of these programs they will assume those extensions at the end
of the main part of the file name.
When a directory is shown in a window, the top line is the name
given to the medium at the time of its formatting and the second
line has 2 numbers separated by a ‘/’. The first number is the
total sectors still available for use (not used up by files) and
the second number is the total sectors on the medium. A sector is
1/2 k. As the sectors available approaches 0, you need to use
care. You may try to save a file and there will not be enough
room. You will get a ‘drive full’ message from QDOS or in the
PSION programs it is a more cryptic ’incomplete i/o transfer’. If
you are short of room ona medium you will have to delete some
files on the medium to make room or use a different medium with
enough room.
If you want to copy a file with a new name (rename) you have to
use option 1 (Directory) and type the new name in when requested.
If the name is to be the same you can also use option 1 and just
<ENTER> when the name is prompted for or you can use option 2
«Copy? and choose selective copy and just press ‘y’ when prompted
about copying that file.
JANUARY 1989 28 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
TANUS
ay Is
JANUARY 1989
HELPER Documentation page 4
If you want to see what is in a file you can use option 1
(Directory) and view it. It will be scrolled on the screen for
you. Press the <CTRL><F5> keys down to pause it and just the <F5>
key to restart it. If you are not using a toolkit you can end the
view by pressing <CTRL><space bar> while it is serolling. If you
have it paused and do it you will stop the program and must retart
by typing ‘helper<ENTER>'. Othewise you will have to wait until
the scrolling is done. It can take a while for long files.
The code is straight SUPERBASIC. I indented the multiline IF
statements for easier sealing. The single line ‘IF’ statements
don't require and 'ENDIF' but I prefer using them for easier
program reading. You will should find it easy to add your own
customized options to the program. You may want to borrow some of
the procedures to use for your own purposes.
Numbers 6 & 7 are left unused in the menu. One nice addition is to
make HELPER your boot program for Quill so you can do file
maintenance when you start up and have option 6 be starting quill
You can call the Quill boot program 'bootq’ and have option 6
‘Irun' it. Alter the Quill boot program so that it restarts IIELPER
(now called boot) when you quit Quill so you can do file
maintenance as you finish up.
If you have a toolkit activated while using HELPER, it may control
the directory windows by stoping them when the window fills until
you press a key (<F5> is the best key to press). That is why you
often see the message ‘Press <F5> if paused'. If drives are
running then things are probably not ’paused'. If you don't have a
toolkit, you can ignore the message.
I hope you find this program useful. If you find any ’bugs’ or
think of good additions let me know.
Bill Cable
Wood & Wind Computing
RR2 Box 92
Cornish, NH 03745
603 675 2218
29 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE. MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Our Aerco FD-68 GURU Returns
Mc. Syd Wyncoop is one of the most expert of of FD-68 users.
Syd began writing for UPDATE last year, and then the roof caved
in upon him. His Job disappeared. Now, after some months of
stress, landing a new job, and moving the family, Syd is back
with us. A hearty WELCOME BACK, Syd!
The FD-68 Update
First, let me apologize for missing the last few issues and
leaving the FD-68 readers high and dry. I was in the process of
relocating and all of my computer gear was in storage with the
moving company for nearly 4 months. Talk about withdrawals! At
any rate, the shakes have subsided and I have warmed up the old
keyboard.
I promised Bill that I would do something for you CP/M
fans. CP/M will open vast horizons for our humble doorstops
but, it is definitely not a ‘user-friendly’ operating system.
Perhaps the largest advantage to learning CP/M is the enormous
amount of public domain software that is available.
But, I am getting ahead of myself. First, if you have not
obtained RP/M, then get it, RP/M is truly an amazing bargain
and well worth the price, ($25.@@ in the last flyer I recall)
even if you just want to experiment. RP/M is virtually the same
as CP/M 2.2 and I have not found any CP/M software that will not
run. Due to this, 1 will use the terms CP/M and RP/M
interchangeably. a
For those of you are using the Zebra disk system, much of *
this will be applicable. However, I do not own a Zebra system
to test therefore, you should verify all addresses with whatever
information you have for your system.
It is a much different experience to boot a computer and
not be in a Basic interpreter. CP/M is an operating system and
the letters stand for Control Program for Microcomputers. RP/M
is Revised GP/M which is not written by Digital Research and has
a few nice enhancements. Instead, RP/M was written by a company
called Micro-Methods, as a direct replacement for CP/M.
There are many good books on CP/M at your local library, so
I’1l not go into its history. The large and lasting mark that
CP/M has left is to merge microcomputers with disk drives. CP/M
was the first popular DOS for micro computers and is in fact,
the grand-daddy of the popular MS-DOS operating system
As an operating system, CP/M provides all 1/0. This means
that each device is controlled and accessed via CP/M. The
natural or ‘resting’ mode is similar to your familiar Timex
prompt and is similarly a command parsing loop. CP/M will load
and run any program from disk but, it does nothing else. For
example, if you want to run a Basic program, you must first load
the Basic language from disk. . Basic will use the CP/M I/O
routines to load your program and then you are finally ‘in
Basic.’
While CP/M at first seems limited, due to this method of
operation, it is really very versatile as you can load and use
any language or any application that is on the disk. The only
big shortcoming of CP/M is that it was written to run on eight
bit CPU’s, such as our 284, and therefore can only directly
access 64K of memory. For us, this is not a problem. We are
accustomed to this memory size and to having 38K of available
RAM. CP/M gives us approximately 55K of available RAM, plus
random and sequential filing!
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE,
30
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
CP/M is also an assembly language programmer’s dream come
true. Many beginning assembly language programmers have a
difficult time interfacing their programs to the Timex Basic
operating system. CP/M simplified this by providing function
calls to do much of the hard work for you. I have included a
table of these calls and we will discuss their use, as time and
space permit. These function calls are similar to the theory
that spawned the idea of the function dispatcher in the normal
Timex operating system. See the Timex Technical Manual for
details (they are available from Time Designs Magazine).
Other than the additional burden of learning CP/M, CP/M is
an excellent tool for learning assembly language programming.
This is due to the fact that an assembler was provided, as well
as the function calls. In fact, if CP/M could be said to boot
any language, it would be assembly language.
There are some important addresses and terms associated
with these addresses that we should be aware of and that are
detailed in the following paragraphs:
DOBBh. This address contains a jump instruction to the
warmboot address of CP/M. Many CP/M programs end
with the instruction, JP @@@@h, which effectively
means, GOTO CP/M. The warmboot routine resets
the CP/M stack, and reboots the CCP from the disk
by performing a disk reset function to disk A.
Addresses 9@@1h & @0@2h are the actual start
. location of the CBIOS.
23h This address contains the I/O Byte. This byte
tells CP/M where to direct the standard I/O and
is bit-mapped as follows:
list punch reader console
bits 7, 6 bits 5, 4 bits 3, 2 bits 1, @
The value in each two-bit field can be @-3 and has the
following meanings:
the teletype device (TTY: )
the CRT device (CRT: )
the line printer device (LPT: )
the user defined list device (UL1:)
list
nin
the teletype device (TTY: )
the high speed punch device (PTP: )
the user defined punch #1 (UP1:)
the user defined punch #2 (UP2:)
punch
Won
the teletype device (TTY: )
the high speed reader device (PTR: )
the user defined reader device #1 (UR1:)
the user defined reader device #2 (UR2:)
reader
ONED wWNHQ whHrB
manu
31
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDALi: MASAZING
JANUARY 1989
console
QOO5h
3400h
D400h
DC26h
EA@Oh
FFFFh
the console printer device (TTY:)
the CRI device (CRT:)
batch mode (BAT:)
use reader device as the console for input
use list device as the console for output
3 = the user defined console device (UC1:)
nes
www
This location contains the default disk drive
designation. The values 9-15 equate to drives
A-P. You must be careful as CP/M will use 1-16
in other places and reserves @ to mean the
current drive.
This address contains a jump instruction to the
entry of your BDOS. This is the entry point to
the system function calls and will prove very
useful. The actual address of the BDOS is held
in 92@6h & @@@7h and is the lowest address which
is used by CP/M. Note: the CCP resides below
BDOS however, it can and often is overlaid by
applications programs.
This is the entry to RST 38h (RST 7 in 8@8@ code)
and is used by the CP/M debugger, DDT, for single
stepping but is not otherwise used by CP/M.
These addresses are the default FCB for transient
program use by the CCP. If a second filename was
entered on the command line, it will begin at the
address @@6Ch.
These addresses contain the default random record
position.
The default 128 byte disk buffer is located here
and is referred to as the default DMA. This is a
very important buffer for disk I/O and we will be
discussing the DMA in greater detail, later.
The Transient Program Area (TPA) starts at @12@h
and is the address into which CP/M loads all
programs. This is also the start of available or
*free memory’ and all memory from @1@0h to the
CCP or to the BDOS, if the CCP is overlaid, is
available for your use.
‘this address is not used by CP/M but, it forms
the base address for the original stock CP/M and
is the address from which CP/M is moved. This
moving or relocation of CP/M from 3460h is done
to customize CP/M to your memory size.
Originally, the minimum configuration of CP/M was
20K which was thought to be a lot of memory at
that time! Fortunately, this relocation was
planned for.
This is the start of our CCP (Console Command
Processor). It is found by the formula:
34@@h + ((memorysize - 20) * 1024)
This is the start of our BDOS (Basic Disk
Operating System) and provides the entry to the
CBIOS routines. The BDOS is not hardware
dependent and functions as the system manager.
The BDOS always starts at CCP + 8@6h
This is the start of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output
System) or more properly the CBIOS (Customized
BIOS) and is the workhorse. This is the hardware
dependent portion of CP/M and must be customized
for CP/M to be useful. The BIOS always starts at
CCP + 168@h.
The usual top of memory.
That should be enough to absorb this time. I leave you
with the CP/M function call table. Keep this table handy. We
will discuss it further, as we proceed with CP/M.
Syd Wyncoop
15951 Rosalita Drive
LaMirada, Ca 90638
JANUARY 1989
3 2 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
CP/M 2.2 BDOS Function Table
Function # Function Name Inputs Outputs
Dec Hex
@ DO System Reset none none
1 10 Console Input none AzAscii char
2 G2 Console Output E=Ascii char none
3 3 Reader Input none A=Ascii char
4 @4 Punch Output E=Ascii char none
5 BS List Output seii char none
6 @6 “Direct Console 1/0 E=FFh (input) A=Ascii char
or Ascii char or status
(output) or
FEh (status)
OT Get I/O Byte none A=1/0 Byte
value
8 @8 Set I/0 Byte E=1/0 Byte none
value
9 @3 Print String until $ DE=string none
address
18 OA Read Console Buffer DE=buffer console chars
address put in buffer
11 @B Get Console Status none A=status
12 «oC Return Version Number none HLeversion #
none
number none
address A=dir code
address A=dir code
address A=dir code
address A=dir code
address A=dir code
address A-error code
address A-error code
address A=dir code
address A=dir code
13 @D Reset Disk System
14. OE Select Disk
15 OF Open File
16 16 Close File
17 Ai Search for First
18 12 Search for Next
19 13 Delete File
2 14 Read Sequential
21 15 Write Sequential
22 «16 Make File
230° «17 Rename File
24 18 Return Login Vector HL=login
vector
25 19 Return Current Disk none Azcurrent disk
number
26 1A Set DMA Address DE=DMA address none
27 1B Get Record Allocation none HL=allocation
Address address
28 1C Write Protect Disk none none
29 1D Get Read Only Vector none HL=read only
vector value
3 1B Set File Attributes DE=FCB address A=dir code
3.0o1F Get Disk Parameter none HL=DPB address
Block Address
32 28 Set/Get User Code E=FFh (get) A=user code
or user code
(set)
3300«L Read Random DE=FCB address A=error code
34 22 Write Random DE=FCB address A=error code
35 0 23 Compute File Size DE=FCB address random record
bytes=filesize
36 24 Set Random Record ’ DE=FCB address random record
pointer set to
the selected
record
37 25 Reset Drive DE=drive A=8
vector
38 626 Access Drive not supported
39°27 Free Drive not supported
4B 28 Write Random with DE=FCB address A=error code
Zero Fill
33
1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
Let’s talk. about
JANUARY 1989
The IBM graphics format sunta»
looks like this for the Star...
PRINTERS
by Stan Lemke
Lemke Softuare Development
2144 bhite Cak
Wichita, Ks, 6/207
When | bought the printer for my
TS-e@66, I teok the first step
in computer hardware expansion.
A cassette recorder and used :
monitor had been easy toa get.
But a printer??? This was a more
serious problem,
Hell, hou does one select a
printer? [ started by asking
around, A friend at work tuith a
TI-99 computer) had a Star
printer that he really liked,
ancther was using a Star with
his Commodore, and alsa liked
it. So, based on this, I bought
a Star printer. Quite by luck, I
got a veru good deal!
The Star SG-10 (and hundreds of
other dot matrix printers) are
advertized as IBM compatible.
But, as I got into graphics more
and more (first uith the Fixel
Sketch and Graphics Editor, and
later the Pixel Frint Desktop
Publisher), I soon came to
realize that NOTALL Printers
are created equal, even if they
all claim IBM compatability!
to printers and
very Little
When it comes
graphics, there is
standardization! However, IBr
compatible printers all use a
common command FORMAT. This is a
series of 4 to 6 hutes that
“tells” the printer tuo things:
1) the printer dot densi ty
2) the number of dots/line
Nost printers provide at least 2
graphics densities, my Star can
print in no less than 6!
JANUARY 1989
34
(ASCII) ESC, F, nl, ne
(dec .) 27, 75, nl, ne
uhere "K” identifies the density
lin this case 60 dots per inch,
or 480 dots per line}. nl and ne
are used to tell the printer hou
mary dots are to be printed, up
to 480 for this density.
To define rd and n2, you reed te
salve these equations:
n2@ = INT (rumber of dats/256)
nl = rumker of dots - n2_% e56
One variation on this format is
to use a 2 byte density command:
(ASCII) ESC, +, 46, ni, ne
idec .) 27, 42, @, nl, né
uhere the “#” bute is a generic
graphics identifier, and the
following bute lin this case O)
defines ubich density is to he
used,
The C, Itoh (Frouriter) printer
inplements a very loose form of
this format using:
Ge ESC, S, nl, n2, 13, nt
(dec.) 27, 83, rd, n2, 13, nh
uhere the “S” identifies the
printer density, and nl thru ort
are the ASCII codes for a 4 bute
number defining the number of
dots to print. For example, te
print 256 dots, you would use:
bby te dec, code |
nd 46
ne 2 50
r3 5 53
ri 6 54
I have included the ASCII and
decimal forms of these commands
for a reason, namely, that uhile
ue primarily use. the decimal
form when communicating with cur
printers, most printer marwals
like to use the ASCII form, and
some use it exclusively! Hardly
uhat I uould call useful uhen
you are just getting started.
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZLNE ae JANUARY 1989
Once ucu have conquered the The picture (Bit-Image-Graphics)
graphics command syntax problem, bute patterns are created ky
you are ready for the next testing each “dot” on the screen
hurdle: adjusting the line to see if it is “ink” or “paper”
spacing. This also is a non-std. and then relaying this to the
command, fest printer print printer, This “testing” can he
heads are built with a 1/72 inch done in a variety of uaus, and
space hetueen pins, Also, most even. hou the dots are assenkled
IBM compatable printers of the and sent to the printer is
class used = hy the Timex semeuhat non-standard,
community use §& pins to print
graphics, Sc, an 6/72 inch space Each of the & pine in the
betueen lines is reeded to printer print head is assigned a
prevent print gaps or overlap, rumerical value, When the
The format fer this command printer gets a command for that
usually looks like this: value, that Bln is fired, ands a
AG oP dot is placed on your paper, Tuo
He et e a variations are common:
Bs] see TOR ees
uhere the “A” defines ai line oe
spacing with a multiple of 1/72
inch, and “n” defines what that
nultiple is.
aueuntt
oe sBOTTOM, +s
The last commands are: Carriage If a “1” is sent, in case
Return and Line Feeds, There are the “1” pin fires, a "3" :
some standards here in that “13” sent, the “1” and “2” pins both -
is usually a “CFR” and “18” is a fire, If a “255” is sent, then
“LF”, But, some printers will all & pins print, etc... But,
give a “LF” when the “CR” if both printers are gcaing ta
command is received, others do print the same picture, your
not, Still others can he cet printer driver must “know” which
either way. So, if your printer pin assigrment/arrangement your
advances the paper tuice for printer uses, Meatice, alsa, that
each printed line, and leaves since the pins an the print head
big gaps betueen lires, it may are aligned vertically (up and
be that your graphics program is doun) and that the print head
sending your printer a “LF”, meves left to right, top to
uhile your printer is bottom, cone must test the
automatically advancing on the screen, starting at the
“CR”. Hopefully one or the other upper-left hand corner, in @ det
can be adjusted easily. columns, Unfortunately, this is
not the seme form in uhich the
So, how is it all put tegether? computer stores the picture
Your printer driver must pess data, or printing pictures uould
the following information tea the have been made very simple,
printer like this:
1) cerd the line spacing cand, poebletet ea Vibe ae eases on
(this is only sent once) to the: hext phase, a scmeuhat
Et Send Ape fraeeiss ern practical application: an all
send the Bit-Image data BASIC BIT-IMAGE-GRAPHICS printer
(the dot patterns] nana
send the CF ard LF emnds. driver program you can use.
}
) repeat 2 thru 4 until the
uhole page is printed,
JANUARY 1989 3s UPDATE. MAGAZINE:
UPDATE MAGAZINE
LISTING Aice a
TIMACHI HE - ready
Basic Bit-Image- Graphics printer
driver. (TIMACHINE
compi ler uritten by
is a BASIC
Novelsoft) .
This program MUST BE USED ui th
an AERCO ture printer interface.
If used in BASIC, each line
takes about 3@ seconds to print.
Compiled, each screen takes
about 30 seconds to print!
LISTING B presents a simple way
to use this program... Just LOAD
SCREENS and FFINT it.
LINE 1: Copyright Notice
Flease use and distribute this
program freely, but leave this
notice in for identification,
LINE 10-58:
LINE 160-120: PRINTER COMMANDS
TIMACHINE Directives
Flease see notes relative these
lines below,
Lit 208: Sends Line Spacing
command (LINE 100) to the
printer,
NOTE: The AERCO CPI uses a very
simple GUT 127,YALUE command ta
transfer information from_ the
computer to the printer. Also,
IN 127, VALUE is used to transfer
information from the printer
the computer (see LINE 516),
LINE 300: Pixel row counter.
Most TS-2@66 graphics prograns
use the upper 176 pixel rows ta
display pictures, This counter
starts at @ (zero) and counts to
175 incrementing by &. The “Y”
variable defires the vertical
screen coordinate associated
uith the upper pin of each 6 dot
column, NOTE that the screen
coordinates go from 175 (top) te
© (bottom),
LINE 310: Sends the Graphics
command (LIME 118) to the
printer,
JANUARY 1989
to
3.6
JANUARY 1989
LINE 328: Pixel column ie
coordinate) counter, NOTE: the
TS-2066 screen has 256 dots per
rou.
LINE 325: This line is optional,
and should be DELETED from your
final program version to SPEED
up your printer, This line
prints a Pixel Row and Column
currently heing tested at the
BOTTOM of the screen.
LINE 338: Assemble bute (valve)
to be sent to the printer.
LINE 348: Send “CR” and “LF”
commands (LINE 128) to the
printer,
LINE 358: DONE.
LINE 518-560: Check the status
oo THE. FOLLOUI G@ TEST: WITH YOUF
PRINTER TURNED ON AND THE READY
E: PRINT IN 12?
The value printed the value
is
YOU should use in LINES 5e@
and
550 in the place of "229". “229”
is the value I get with my STHE
printer,
IN 127 is tested. If the printer
is ready, printing continues, If
the printer is not readu, a
message is placed at the bottom
of the screen until the printer
is ready.
LINE 1016-1099: An & dot) column
is tested using the FOINT(X,Y)
command ta see if each dot is
INK or PAPER. The value of the
variable “BIT” is determined hy
adding the values cf each dot
that is “INK”, MOTE: this
arrangement is for the upper pin
using a value of 128. To sui tch
ta the other suysten, simply
change the value in each line
preceding the POINT function.
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Nou for a feu uords about these One of the nice things about
3 lines of DATA, To make the having a BASIC printer driver
program flexible, the first program for your printer, is
number that is read from each that now you can experiment with
line “tells” the program how this printer driver, and learn
many bytes are to be sent to the more about how your printer
printer for this specific cmnd. uorks, Modifications in BASIC
are simple to make compared to a
For example, Line 18@ we have: machine code program!
(pata INT 5, 27, 65, 6, 27, 50 Some of the “enhancements” one
{INT is used by TIMACHINE to might make are: double size
identify all of these as integer printouts, mirror-image, up-side
nunbers), The “5” says that this doun printouts, irwerse video
printer command needs 5 values. printeuts,,. etc, Each of these
And uou see that there are 5 enhancements can be achieved
nunbers remaining, LINE 11@ alsa uith relatively. simple progran
has a 5 byte command, LINE 120 modifications. Try some.
has a 2 byte command,
There are a feu things to uatch
Here are some examples of LINEs for however. For example, if you
100, 118, and 120 for a variety are printing your pictures ui th
of printers... a dot density of 60 dots per
inch (Y80 dots per line), you
will not be able to print a full
double-width picture since the
15-2068 screen has 256 dots, and
a double wide requires 5le dots! ~
STAR SG-10 CIE Compat
190 DATA INT 5.2
21@ CATA INT 5.
120 GATA INT 2,135,100
STAR SG-10 (STAR Mede)
400 CATA INT 3.27.65, Also, if you are printing
210 CATA INT S,27,105,5,0,1 pictures uith circles, at
120 DATA THT 2,513,108
dots per inch density acrass the
page and 72 dots per inch doun
the page, your circles will
print as ellipses! So, for such
pictures, use a 72 dot per inch
(576 dot per line) printer
Spirit 66, Legend 660 density, Hote: this uill print a
Star S6-10K perfectly round circle, and will
ASEM allow you to print a full double
C. Iteh (Prouriter)
AOINT Fela uide page too!
a INT
So, Just how should one go about
selecting a printer? Most
important, Know uhat you want to
do uith it! If you went to print
| graphics or do Desk top
Epson FX+ Publishing (print combined text
Seikosha SP-10Q0A/12@0AI and graphics), then you uant a
Gnith Corona Fastex £8 printer that can previde you the
Datascuth I/II flexibility you need for
Sakata SP-1580 graphics. This means a variety
Panasonic F1@91/1092 of printer densities! including
fas a MUST HAVE ITEM) a 72 dot
per inch (plotter node) density.
@@ DATA INT
1@ DATA INT = oO,
38 BATA INT Stan Lente
JANUARY 1989 37 UPDATE i?GAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Lemke Software Developoent
RUALITY FROOULTS FOR THE Te dae}
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1 REt BRERKSHL SASS SS SHH HRS
Bszic Git-Image Graphics
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1B bd SC Lemke 1gea
re Development
HSEREER EASES SEER E RSS R KEES HEE
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4@ FEN ! OPEN # F 7
ae these versions require
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110 CATA T +HOTE: the LARKEH version
tee OE ES needs at least a 64K RAM DISK
1g@ REM SHEER RR EHS HER HR SEE memory expansion.
200 RES RE
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JANUARY 1989 : UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
ae
MORE on Printers and Printer Buffers
Now I will editorialize about PRINTERS in general. Just a couple of years
ago ANY dot matrix printer that had a "Near Letter Quality" mode would cost a
guy upward of $500. ‘Then along came the CLONES. I bought a Seikosha SP~1000,
an Epson Clone, for $225.00. That was in 1986, It replaced a Okidata ML 82
that I had worn out. How do you wear out a printer? Well, the print head is
the weakness. The maker guarantees them for a few million characters, which
sounds like forever. But consider that a page usually has about 3500
characters, and then a million characters takes on a smaller meaning. So, why
not just replace the print head when one wears out? Yep, good idea, but a
print head runs around $90-150 depending upon the printer type. Generally I
find that the Clone printers have smaller print heads than the printers that
they emulate. The smaller print heads naturally wear out sooner, but are not
as expensive to replace.
But, 7 pin printers are now becoming obsolete, and is it cost effective to
spend $90 to replace a print head? Nine pin printers are also becoming
obsolete. New 7 and 9 pin printers are now being sold at good discount
prices. I've seen my Seikosha 1000 advertised for as little as $149.95
recently. The 24 pin printers are now taking over. Prices range from a low
of $350.00 upward to over $1000.00. So, one has a choice of buying a good 7
or 9 pin printer at a discount price, or going for the newest. The 24 pin
printers are reputed to have TRUE letter quality at high speed, and high
resolution graphics printing. But, some of the older model printers do a very
good job in NLQ mode. But one can expect about 25 characters per second speed
of printing in the NLQ mode. 7
Me? Well heck! TI have tried NLQ dot matrix print and it doesn't measure
up to the quality needed for publishing a magazine. So I'm using two Daisy ‘
Wheel printers, one on the TS-2068 and the other on the QL. One cost $179.00 4
and the other cost $275.00 from mail order sources. Daisy Wheel printers lack
the Graphics that a dot matrix printer has, and have fewer Type Fonts to
choose from, But a Daisy wheel printer produces “TYPEWRITER QUALITY" print,
actually better than most typewriters. But the printing is slow, about 17
characters per second. I have my eye out for a good bargain in a new 24 pin
Dot Matrix, mainly for quality graphics printing.
‘A PRINTER BUFFER can mitigate the slowness of a printer. The printer
buffer is hooked up "in line" between the computer and the printer. When the
computer directs a print operation, the printer buffer takes the data (which
has the printer control codes mixed in) as fast as the computer can send the
data. Usually a 64K printer buffer will store as much data as most people
want to print at one time (about 20 pages). The computer and its software
sends the data quickly to the printer buffer, and then the computer is ready
to do other things while the data is being printed. One can just STORE the
data in the buffer until ready to print it. And, some buffers have the
capability of keeping the data intact to print several copies if desired. A
64K printer buffer costs approximately $150-225. {Read the fine print.)
SERIAL AND PARALLEL PRINTERS: The QL can use either with the software that
it uses. A Serial printer is hooked directly to either of the Serial Ports of
the QL. The use of a PARALLEL printer with the QL requires a small in-line
Parallel Interface. Most of the available interfaces connect directly to the
data input of a printer. Generally, a Centronics Parallel printer has wider
capabilities than does serial printers and it is worth the extra $40.00 cost
of the interface. The TS-2068 and almost all of its software and hardware is
designed for Centronics PARALLEL printers.
ALL WE NEED to know about printers? Hardly! We all need to know more
about the adaptability of both the TS-2068 and the QL for 24 Pin Printers.
JANUARY 1989 39 UPDATE MAGAZINE _
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
SOFTWARE REVIEW
By James F. Brezina
MONEY MACHINE, PUZZLE MAKER, and additional comment on MONEY
MACHINE II ,
AEBA Software Productions
The original MONEY MACHINE is a little different than MONEY
MACHINE II. It does not have Banna Brite. It does not have the
enlarged type printout that MONEY MACHINE IT has. It has 400
puzzles and provides for loading in new puzzles of which one set
is also recorded on the tape after the main program. It will
also print out an award card for your work in solving the
puzzles. You can also copy that card on the 2040 printer.
MASTER PUZZLE MAKER is a program that shows you how to enter
your own money machine puzzles and also provides the facility to
do that. This came in handy, as I wanted to use the puzzles from
MONEY MACHINE in MONEY MACHINE II which I liked better. The
puzzles are stored in a Gharacter Array (DIM) and that can be
saved separately from the main program, These can then be loaded
into MONEY MACHINE II through the MENU choice. The additional
puzzles on the MONEY MACHINE tape can be loaded into MONEY
MACHINE II through the MENU choice. 7
In Tex Faucettes review of MONEY MACHINE II, he didn’t mention a
few things that I think might be of interest. Banna and her
movements are stored as UDG’s plus the backward B in the AXBXBxA
that is printed to the screen. Stored on the tape is a machine
code program which he uses for the enlarged type. Herb Bowers
says that that is public domain but his way of invoking it is
his own. That code is stored on the tape as "et"CODE.
Herb had a program to print out a tally sheet on the 2040
printer on which you checked off the puzzles played. If you had
already played a game, you could choose another puzzle before
playing. Through my correspondence with Herb, he told me a way I
could accomplish that procedure without the use of the tally
sheet. Each puzzle has been assiyned a number. When that puzzle
has been chosen randomly, the number appears at the bottom of
the screen and is stored in a numeric array. If a later puzzle
choice is the same number, the program will not print that
number, but, will choose another number. You can save this
numeric array by entering, SAVE “USED"DATA p() - Likewise, you
can load the array back into the program with LOAD “USED"DATA
p(). There is a bit of a trick involved in either SAVEing or
LOADing the numeric array. You must choose to quit the program
through the MENU listing. You will then get the closing screen
and the playing of the NBC chimes. After the third chime, you
key number 6 and the program STOPs. At that point you can do
your saving or loading of the numeric array. After loading in
the numeric array, you can play the game by entering GO TO MENU,
and, when the MENU appears on the screen, choose to play another
game.
I have played all the games in MONEY MACHINE II, but have not
completed all the games in MONEY MACHINE. I have not even
started on the additional games on the MONEY MACHINE tape.
The programs are available from Herb Bowers Sr! (AKBKBXA SOFT),
aepe Weedehire Circle, Chesapeake, VA 23523. I will not quote
prices as they may have changed. According to TIME DESIGNS a
SaSE will probably get you a listing of what Herb has available.
Also, if you have AERCO FD-68, some of them may be available
JANUARY 1989 from Chia-Chi Chao, 73 Sullivan Dr., Moraga, CA 74586. SASE ATE MAGAZINE
toe ane ines
40
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
2068 POWER SUPPLY PROBLEM ??
James W. Dowell, 735 Myra Ave., Chula Vista, CA 92010
From my own personal experience, information gleaned from
various articles in the Timex-Sinclair field of literature and
comments from Bill Jones (TDM), it is clear that the method of
powering the 2048 (i.e. the use of a switching regulator for the
development of the regulated 5 volt bus from the 15-20 volt
unregulated supply) has serious problems. This method has merit
if the computer is to be used in a mobile application where
operation would be from a 12 volt battery supply as it can
supply the necessary 5 volt bus at a far greater efficiency than
the alternative LM-309K/7805K regulators. However, for the more
conventional computer uses, where operating power is not a
restriction, and several peripheral devices are to be used, this
method leads to the following problems:
1) Preduction of back-ground noise and critical cassette
SAVE/LOAD operations, especially when the regulated
S volt bus is heavily loaded with peripherals;
2) Noise induction from Switching Regulator to Data lines;
3) Limited regulated 5 volt supply at rear edge connector;
4) Possible S volt bus voltage spikes;
5) Excessive heating of the computer after prolonged usage;
5) & proliferation of transformers and power cords for all
of the necessary peripherals.
Of the foregoing, Item 3 is by far the most devastating. With
severe loading of the S volt bus by add-on peripherals, the
switching regulator blows and puts 6-9 volts DC ripple on this
line, blowing the RAM chips of the computer, the number of chips
destroyed depending on how quickly the power can be turned off.
I have measured the power consumption of various 2068s and
peripherals with the following results:
Device 5 volt load 12 volt load
2068 510 ma 60 ma
A & J MicroDrive 100 ma 10/170 ma
JL Oliger Ptr/IF 20 ma
JL Oliger D-D/IF 300 ma
OS-64 cartridge 25 ma idle, to 100 ma active
2764 EPROM in Dock 20 ma idle, to 100 ma active
27128 EPROM in Dock 25 ma idle, to 100 ma active
Bill Jones says that, ta his knowledge, the AERCO D-D/IF is one
of the worst power hogs, but he did not provide its actual power
consumption. It may be assumed that any memory expansion boards
will draw significant amounts of power. Disk drives draw
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
41
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
considerable power, but this is normally supplied by a dedicated
Power supply. My TANDON SSD-4s each draw 250 ma @ 5 volts and
480/850 ma @ 12 volts. The 3.5" drives draw much less.
The problem of the 5 volt bus loading can be solved by cutting
the 5 volt Vcc trace of “the first add-on device”. Then splice
in, on the out-board side of that trace, +5 volts from an
auxiliary supply. There are several individual power supplies
available which will provide a regulated 5 volts at about 1 Amp.
A COLECO power supply is available from Edlie Electronics, their
catalog # RS5S732-140, and from American Design Components, their
catalog # 1882, outputs of +5V @ .9A, -5V @ .1A, +12V @ .3A,
$4.95 plus shipping. Whatever supply is used, the output must
be regulated between +5.25V and +4.75V. This solution will add
to the proliferation of power cords, however, and does nothing
to resolve the noise problems associated with the switching
regulator circuit.
My solution to these problems is to provide a husky (SV 3A, 12V
3A, and 18VAC 1A) linear (rather than switching) power supply to
power the 2068 computer, 2040 printer, A&J MicroDrive and Oliger
Printer Interface and Disk Interface as well as the two 5.25"
disk drives. One unit appropriate for this use is a general
purpose computer grade external power supply, outputs of —5Sv
@ .5A, +5V @ 3A and +12V @ 4A, American Design Components
catalog #9501 @ $24.95. This unit comes in a very presentable
enclosed cabinet and should have sufficient space for the
addition of necessary switches and sockets. If a disk drive
Power supply is already in use, it might be readily adaptable to
this task (refer to figures 1 and 2).
The unit I selected for this task is the COLECQ ADAM Printer
Power Supply, American Design Components catalog #6642 @ $14.95,
also available at various electronic surplus stores (Any other
unit of similar characteristics could be used). This item comes
exposed on a metal frame from which it was removed and installed
in an enclosed metal box (3.5" x 6" x 10") with one side cut out
to clear the heat sink. On one end of the box I installed a
3 pin CB microphone jack for computer power, a 3 pin miniature
Molex socket for D/D power and a coaxial DC power jack for the
2040 printer power. On the opposite end 1 installed a DPDT
switch for the D/D 12V and SV supplies and a SPST switch for the
2040 printer 18VAC supply. The computer power, 12V unregulated
(about 20 volts) and 5V regulated, is unswitched, as is the
power unit itself, these being controlled from a switched power
socket. A paragraph at the end of this article will discuss the
switching for the D/D power.
The modifications to the computer, which disables the switching
regulator, are as follows (refer to component placement chart):
1) Remove the power jack J1;
2) Remove Power transistor Qi- D43Ci;
3) Remove diode CRI~- 1N5821;
JANUARY 1989 h2 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
4) Remove resistors R1i- .110 ohm 3W (blue ceramic, brown—
brown-silver), R2- 68 ohm .2W (blue-grey-black), R4— 330
ohm .5W (orange-orange-brown), RS- 3.32 kohm .2W (orange—
orange-red—brown-brown), Ré—- 1.10 kohm -2W (brown-brown—
black-brown-brown), R9- 42 kohm .2W (blue-red-orange) ;
5) Remove capacitors C36- 1000pf (.001K100 green MYLAR),
C37- -imf (CBW 104 Z5J green tubular), CS9- 120pf (121
ceramic disc)
Locate pin 5 of the switching regulator, U1l- uA78S40. Using
very small snips, cut it at the PC board, bend up from the board
and jumper it to the + lead of C41— 47uf 146V. Run the power
lead (I used a 6 conductor, 3 leads for ground, 2 leads for SV
regulated and 1 lead for 12V unregulated) through the Power hole
in the case. Connect the ground lead(s) to the front pad where
power jack J1 was removed. Connect the 12V lead to the rear pad
where Ji was removed. Connect the 5V lead(s) to the pad where
the cathode of CR1 was removed. Double check and Triple check
to insure that the SV lead goes to the cathode pad of cRi,
otherwise ALL of the computer chips may FRY!!! While the
computer case is open, and since the computer can no longer be
RESET with the power switch, a SPST NO push button switch should
be mounted on the back panel of the computer in line with the
SCLD chip and connected to pins 26 and 29 of U19, ZEOA-CPUs; and
C2i, iuf 16V, located between U14 and U9, should be replaced
with a 5 to 10 uf 16V capacitor to provide more reliable reset
on turn-on.
Now for the Disk Drive power switching mentioned earlier. The
bane of all Disk Drives is the corruption of disks when the disk
drive power is activated with a disk in the drive (it happens to
the most experienced of us). This corruption is caused by the
current surge/voltage spike created by the instantaneous
application of power to the inductive load of the motors in the
drive. I have found that if the 12V is applied to the drive in
an exponential ramp rather than square wave, there is no current
surge/voltage spike generated, thus no disk corruption. Figures
1 and 2 show how this is achieved by the charge/discharge curve
of the 100uf capacitor and 2.2kohm resistor in the base circuit
of the 2N2222 transistor. The circuit switches the 5V
instantaneously and the 12V with an exponential rise.
aay to B¢D
BY_RegIn
FXIG.1 Typical 2aU/SU Reg Pwr SUP
JANUARY 1989 43 UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
JANUARY 1989
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Chee
s-10
F iby
T82068:PC BOARD COMPONENT LAYOUT
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JANUARY 1989
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American Design Components Edlie Electronics
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Editor's note: While Jim's total change out of the TS-2068 power supply is a very
worth while project, a cheap and alternate solution is to buy one of the small Coleco power
packs and splice in to the "first add-on" device normally used in your TS-2068 system. It
is essential that the +5 V trace from the computer is cut inorder to isolate the two
voltage regulators for each other. POWER ON sequence would be to first turn on the
external supply, and then the computer. There are other possibilities for thought. Since
the aux power is separate from the TS-2068, a simple additional circuit could be added to
supply REFRESH voltage to any external RAM, thus making the RAM Non-volatile (Memory that
does not forget). Then one could just leave the external power supply ON to keep the data
that may be contained in external RAM. UPDATE has not tested any of the External Power
applications presented, but the theory is sound, and the existing problem is real.
Another alternative is to use the External Power circuit given by Charles Bothner in
his continuing articles about EXTRA MEMORY. This one has been tested (by Charles), but
that power supply involves “home put-together" on a proto board.
Symptom of overload are: A ‘fairly warm' spot on the top case of the computer; jumpy
screen; Have to occasionally OFF and back ON to get Copyright display; Trouble loading
from cassette "programs the you have SAVED", The fact that "we have been operating for
years" with an overloaded TS-2068 voltage regulator means two things. 1. The amazing
capability of the voltage regulator to exceed its rated output. 2. The luck of the Irish
in getting away with it. In my case TWO failures have been experienced. The first
resulted in the frying of all TS-2068 RAM chips. Ole Dan Elliott came to the rescue and
fixed both computers. 1 wonder how many “Former TS-2068 users" have been attritted due to
Voltage regulator failures. I believe they number in the tens of thousands. Thanks Jim,
for a good analysis of the subject. fd.
oy
=
ial
4
JANUARY 1989 45 UPDA’ 3A21 NE
The QL Beginner's Column
by:
"Software Dependant" Software
Nope!
Bill Jones
Confused title? We need
. to
<ounderstand that the bread and butter for OL
computing are the many new softwares,
~ AMERICAN MADE, amd INEXPENSIVE, that depend
upon the PSION group for operation. This
article will help us to prepare for ARCHIVE
DEPENDANT software,. of which there are
several excellent titles available for
around $20. ‘Two such softwares by Bill
Cable were given in the last (October 88)
issue Of UPDATE ("REFIELD" and "SCAN").
Another is the "Mailbag" software currently
advertised by EMSOFT in this issue.
--BMSOFT has several other titles that use
ARCHIVE as a "towing vehicle". I know that
_you have seen a small car pulling a HUGE
recreational vehicle down the interstate.
Some of these RV's are 35' long and weigh
five times the weight of the towing
vechicle. The corollary to that is our new
softwares, made in North America to be
towed by the PSION vehicles.
Is this trend in software development good
“or bad? Answer, "GOOD"! Why? Ans, “Why
’ xe-invent the telephone just to carry new
messages?" A less facetious answer lies in
the understanding of the principles adopted
in -the development of the four PSION
softwares. Each of the PSION softwares
contain their own "command structure". The
combination of these software commands
forms. a very powerful new "language" that
can be used by other softwares. Using the
corollary, “why buy an engine am steering
mechanism for the Recreational vehicle when
we can tow it to the camp with our car?".
. The new softwares use the engine of the
PSION group of Programming Languages". We
~-will now explore the “ARCHIVE BRANCH" of
“<> PSEON functions, :
Most of us thought that ARCHIVE was just a
little data base program “thrown in" with
ur OL. We loaded it a few times and got
va few menus until it stopped. Then we
set it aside until the time when we could
get roundtui t. Likely rountuit. hasn't come
as vets ; : :
JANUARY 1989
Archive is not just a little DBM program.
It is that, plus a RAM based extension
group of new function commands similiar to
Super Basic. We could call these “Archive
Language" in the same sense as we think of
Super BASIC Language. Too complicated?
Not if we want to have about 20 times the
capability we can achieve without Archive!
And, it wont be as difficult to learn as
some of our contemporaries are experiencing
with their IBM software “Data Base 3". In
fact, there is now a IBM version of the
QL's Archive that is becoming quite popular
within that user group. I'11 bet that the
IBM users pay more for Archive than we did
for the QL, plus the four PSION Softwares.
One of the nice things about learning to
use Archive is that the command functions
are displayed during all of its operation,
right at the top of the screen, in plain
view. Another nicety is the HELP
instructions which are always available at
the touch of the Fl Key. So, the Archive.
program was designed with a lot of built in
features to help us learn it. We CAN learn
it if spend a little time Be effort
trying.
The results of our getting comfortable with
Archive will be the ability to use the many
new inexpensive softwares that are
developed for use with the Archive
Language. These new softwares are
excellent, but cannot be loaded and
operated alone. We must load Archive
first, and then use an Archive command to
load the other software.
All of these new Archive Dependant
softwares are excellent and they are
inexpensive. More and more will be coming
as our North American programmers get into
high gear. Some are for un-expanded OL's.
Some are huge programs that require
extended memory. All can be used with disk
drive. So, it is imperative that we learn
to use ARCHIVE! And why not? The PSION
group is a very valuable set of programs,
more valuable than the money paid for the
QL and the software. I would place Archive
vight up there with the $450 IBM title
"Data Base 3" as to effectivity. It is
even more valuable than DB3 if one
considers. its ability to "sponsor" other
softwares loaded to it.
46 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
LEARNING ARCHIVE
With that heavy hype, we should now be
itching to learn it durn it! First, lets
start by spending an afternoon or two
reading the -Archive Section of the QL
manual. Just read it without doing the
exercises. Then I suggest a reading of
Bill Cables article "Why use Archive", page
56 of the October issue of UPDATE. Tackle
the little exercise given in the Cable
article, page 59. Dont worry much if you
get tripped up. Then come on back to
"exercise 1" given next.
ARCHIVE EXERCISE 1
I know that you Disk Drive users have noses
up in the air and an acquired haughtiness
about using Micro Drive, but suppress that
and lets use Micro Drive. It wont hurt you
and the practice will help. Now TI could
just tell you to do the exercises given on
page 6 of the Archive section, but this
will have some more detail and
explanations. Instead, lets keep the book
handy and open at page 6 for reference. I
hope that by now you have the UPDATE issues
in a note book so that you can just remove
a page to work with and put it back when
finished. That helps when working with the
computer. Please follow me through step by
step, reading it and doing it with the
computer.
1. Situation: The QL is OFF, The Archive
cart is in MDV1. A FORMAITED cart is in
MDV2. Everything that follows involves
using the ARCHIVE LANGUAGE.
2. Plug IN the QL to power, and use Fl to
auto load the ARCHIVE program. When the
Archive program loads in, it will display
the COMMAND list at top. These are the
Archive Commands that we have been talking
about. Each is a "FUNCEION" command that
causes a series of things to be
accomplished. The first command will be
used to transfer a file in MDV] to MDV2.
Notice the ">" prompt at bottom of
screen. This is the place that Archive
commands are entered. Lets use the command
> backup. Type: backup then ENTER,
3.
4. Notice that the prompt line at bottom
JANUARY 1989
A?
JANUARY 1989
changes and adds some "quotes. This is a
convenient way of asking for the next
input. The input needs "device number",
title of the file, and file extension.
This is information about the "source
device", which is MDVI. The title of the
file that we want to transfer is
"gazet_db£", so type: mdvl_gazet_dbf
ENTER.
5. Again, the bottom prompt will change.
Now ARCHIVE is expecting an input of
DESTINATION information. Since we are
transferring the gazet file to MDV2, type:
mdv2_gazet_dbf ENTER.
6. It takes a little while for the gazet
program to transfer, so lets reflect upon
what we have dome. We have begun to use a
new programming language, the ARCHIVE
language. The Archive program assisted us
by displaying a list of possible commands
to use. We used the Archive command
“pbackup". When we typed and entered
"backup" Archive took over and prompted for
further information. This is typical of
the way Archive treats us as we use its
command structure. If we get confused, a
touch of Fl will bring up a HELP file to
help us out.
7. Now that the gazet file has been moved
into MDV2, lets reflect upon how a Archive
file can be used. We cannot LOAD it
"outside of the PSION software
environment". We could load it to QUILL to
print it. Or, we can use the Archive
commands to do other things with the file.
8. Since Archive has finished with the last
instruction, it is now waiting for the next
command. Lets explore one of the other
commands given at the top of the screen.
"Look" is an Archive command used to look
at afile. It is a SAFE command, ie, it
allows you to reada file, but not change
it.
9. Type: look ENTER. Note the typical
stepping given in the prompt line. Archive
now expects a file title- no device number
or extension, because Archive assumes that
MDv2 is the device and "dbf" is the
extension. But we will do something else
instead.
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE. MAGAZINE
10. Touch the Fl key for HELP. Note that
the help file that loads in is about the
last command that you used, which is the
"look" command. Some of the information
may not’ be very intelligent to you right
now, but..as Archive is used the help
information will become more
understandable.
11. To get back to the "look". function,.
just ‘touch ENTER.
"12. Now we will lock at the gazet file that
we just moved into MDV2. ‘Type: gazet
_ ENTER,
13. The gazet file loads into Archive, but
nothing seems to have happened. Its in
thar but archive is waiting for
_instructions. .
14. Type: first ENTER. This sets up the
“first data base record to be acted upon.
display ENTER. Now we have hit
pay. dirt. The Data Base file, gazet, isa
demo. file about. countries of the world, It
has eight topics of information about each
o£ the records. Note the "“name$" left
column of the record. We can use these
with some of the Archive commands to find:
things.
15. Type:
16. We are looking at one record of the
gazet dbf file, but we could be looking at
any. other-named dbf file created by use of
Acchive or one of the North, American
softwares that use the Archive program
Janguage. It couldbe a "Mail File" and
the record could be "John Hancock" with 7
information lines about ole John.
17. Remember, we are still operating under
the "Look" command, To look at the next
record, type: next ENTER.
18.. To go back one file, type: back
ENTER. 7
19. Types next ENTER several times. See
“how you can step through the records?
10. Tired of looking at foregn countries?
Lets. use: another of the commands at top.
“‘Type:.. find ENTER.. Then type: Canada
ENTER. Type: United States ENTER. Uh Oh!
JANUARY 1989
JANUARY 1989
21. Can't find United States! Try: United
ENTER. Now we're in Arab countries! This
is an example of the need to construct a
data base that.is easy to find things in.
22. Lets use the SEARCH command, and a
little bit of inguenity. Touch F3 to get a
new set of commands at top. Search is one
of them. Type: search ENTER, Archive
expects another entry of somehing to search
for.
23. Since we know that the dollar is the
currency used, lets try that. Type:
currency$="$" ENTER. ~-and we get Trinidad.
Now we can use the step command to step
through the countries that use dollar as
their currency.
24,.Type: next ENTER. Now we find how
U.S.A. is set up in the data base file..
wo---------~-end of exercise-——-—---—--~
Archive starts off seeming to be very
complicated, and turns out to be easy to
cope with. It's kinda like the kids game
"Simon Sez". It gives you the commands at
top of screen, and when you are explicit in
how you use them, you are rewarded with
action. Better still, when you make a
mistake Archive just ignores that and
presents another prompt line for a "good"
command to be entered.
To keep on learning Archive, follow the
other steps given in Chapter 4 of the
Archive Section. Keep on working until you
have learned how to construct a file, how
to open it for modification, and how to
create different types of files. It wont
be difficult now that we have stepped
through the principles of the Archive
command structure. It will take a few days
to get comfortable with the Archive program
language, but the rewards will be great.
Qnly after becoming comfortable with
Archive can we begin to take advantage of
the excellent new softwares that are
becoming available here in North America.
These softwares are inexpensive because
they take advantage of the existing
language structure of the Archive software.
——--BJ-——- =
48 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
MICRODRIVE CARTRIDGE REPALRS
BY GALE HENSLEE
I recently encountered a “stuck” microdrive cartridge. I mean,
it was working one minute, and suddenly, all I could get from my
QL was “not found”, whatever that means. What it means is that
the tape is inserted incorrectly and not moving. In my case,
reinserting the tape did not help, so I started looking for some
other problem. By placing my index finger on the roller on the
left side and rotating it toward the cartridge handle, I found
that the tape had jammed and would not move. It had a definite
resistance to movement. Although you wouldn’t normally do this,
@ properly Functioning tape would pull through freely.
I didn’t want to stretch the tape by pulling too hard, but the
tape had all my most useful programs on it. I decided to take
the cartridge apart to see if it could be salvaged.
The cartridge case consists of three parts. The grip, the top
and the bottom. Inside the case are two rollers, a spring to
hold the tape against the head, and the continuous-loop tape on
a flat reel. If you ever have to repair a cartridge, dust
remember it’s likely that you will be at least partly sucessful
salvaging your data. It’s also likely that parts of the tape ~-
won’t work again due to mechanical damage (wrinkles, stretching,
etc. ).
You’11 need a small Jewelers screwdriver or Knife blade and
plenty of patience. Start by prying the grip away from the rest
of the cartridge. Use the Knife blade or screwdriver to pry up
the edges all around the back side of the cartridge. Then
insert the tip of the screwdriver in the slot at the right side
of the handle and pry it out from the end a little. Work back
and forth from left to right until it comes loose. Mine broke
in the center where it was glued. A little damage here to the
case is not critical, but remember, you’1l need to be able to
put the cartridge back in a microdrive later.
Once the handle is off, Cit won’t be reused and it could be
carved or ground off if absolutely necessary), you need to split
the case halves. Insert the screwdriver blade into the seam at
one of the rear corners. If you slip and Jam it far into the
case, you may scratch the tape (or worse). Work carefully down
both sides toward the front. The seam drops from top to bottom
gust in front of the write-protect tab. Work carefully here to
avoid the tape as much as possible. Also, try not to use a
magnetized screwdriver.
Carefully separate the halves of the case and try not to drop
the tape reel. You would need more patience than anyone since
biblical times to rewind one of these reels, but it could be
done if you wanted it bad enough. Call me and 17°11 tell you
how, if you really want to try.
JANUARY 1989 ho JPG8i MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
Now, if you’re lucky and the tape isn’t jammed too bad, all you
have to do is tug on the tape where it comes out of the center
of the reel to free the tape. Carefully reposition the tape in
its guides and put the top back on the cartridge. Check for
free movement and the worst is behind you.
If the tape is badly jammed, you have a couple of options.
Either way. you’1l damage some _ tape. First, continuous loop
tapes have some “slack” built in. This is required to let the
tape transport properly. You can observe this in a properly
wound tape as a slight looseness at the center of the hub, where
the tape feeds out. Sometimes, the slack pulls out, tightening
the center and resulting in looser winding on the outside of the
reel. If it gets bad enough, the tape gets stuck. What you
have to do is restore the slack to the center of the hub. if
it’s only a little snug, you can probably fix it by duet
manually advancing the tape through several revolutions of the
reel. Be sure the tape take-up doesn’t get twisted. If this
won’t work, you have to cut the tape, pull out @ couple inches
(about 5 times around the center hub), splice the tape, and then
manually advance the tape until the extra tape loop is taken up
on the outside of the reel.
To splice, you need scotch tape, scissors or x-acto Knife and a
steady hand. Cut the tape diagonally to facilitate alignment
later. (This is exactly like splicing any magnetic tape, or <
movie film, but the tape is very narrow.) I tape a piece of 2
adhesive tape, face up, to the tabletop with more tape. This
way it stays in one place and you don’t get your fingers on it
so much. Lay one end of the recording tape on the adhesive tape
and press down. Be sure the tape is not twisted. Then
carefully align the other end of the diagonal cut and press
down. You need to trim away the excess adhesive tape carefully
using an X-acto Knife. Take up the excess slack as above and
reassemble the cartridge. There will be a rough spot at the
splice that won’t be readable. Be sure that the copper spring
that pushes the tape out against the head (yes, that’s what it
is for) hae not been misaligned, and adjust it if necessary by
referring to a good cartridge.
Stick the damaged cartridge in a microdrive and get a directory
listing. It may help to tape the halves together. The tape
will probably rattle horribly, but hopefully, the directory will
read, possibly after a few tries. If this works, then you have
a good chance of recovering most of your files. There are
utilities that will even recover files from tapes with corrupted
directories. Use any available means to make a copy of
everything you can on a new cartridge. Then, you can try for
partial file recovery on any files that are corrupted, if you
still need them.
50
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UIDNATR MACATTNE JANUARY 1989
Cartridge Top
Half
{Locator Pins
Tape Transport
Direction CCW
Cartridge Bottom Half
AU
aff se
JANUARY 1939 51 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
THE UPDATE SOFTWARE LIBRARY
Separate libraries for the Sinclair QL and TS-2068
Must of the diskettes and micro drive cartridges contain
softwares and utilities described or listed in 6
quarterly issue of UPDATE Magazine. Most will contain more
than. one software plus all of the utilities given in the
quarterly issue. Some will also contain other programs not
given in the pages of UPDATE. Each disk or mdv cartridge is
“unconditionally guaranteed to please". The price of each
named disk or mdv 1s $20.00 (postpaid).
the
The Sinclair QL Software Library
Both Wisk and Micro Drive are supported. All softwares
presented will run on the UNEXPANDED QL. But some may
contain extensions for utilizing extra memory and tool kit
functions. Disk format ts DS/DD 80 track 96 tpt. Due to the
cost of mdv carts and availability, orders for a issue series
on idv cartridge must be accompanied by a
UPDATE then records the programs
UPDATE
two Issue Series are offered at this time,
Series are as follows:
OCIOBER 86 "Cable Issue"
The CABLE {ssue, on disk or mdv_ cart,
contains the FOUR softwares given by Bill
Cable in this current issue. Two of these
are softwares to enhance and extend the
capabilities of the PSION ARCHIVE software.
*“REFIELD", runs under ARCHIVE to allow you
to ADO, RESTRUCTURE, and DELETE fields of
the ARCHIVE DATA BASE.
"SCAN", an ARCHIVE program, Vists three
selected fields ona line for each record,
and SUMS the numeric content of the fields.
‘The output can be sent to the printer.
"HELPER", is 9 Superbasic program which
provides anew "TOOLKIT" set of functions.
These functions are; Olrectory with Copy,
DELETE a file or program, TOTAL COPY of a
MOV or Floppy, Multiple FORMATTING, Screen
Window Set-up, and Date-lime setting.
"ARITHMETIC DRILL", im Superbasic, 1s a
sinele program to help learn programing and
let the kids use to drill in math.
The above FOUR progreis, and their annexes,
come on TWO mndv Carts or one Diskette, The
REFIELD program alone takes uP a whole mdv
cart, and the other three take up all space
available in enother inv cart, So, no roan
for the other October issue programs and |
utilities. This is an outstending value at
$20.00.
JANUARY 1989
mdv cartridge.
and returns the cartridge.
is Just getting started with the QL Library and only
Individual Issue
OCTOBER 88 “Hartung Issue"
The HARTUNG issue, on disk or mv.
cart, contains Bob Hartung’s "Go ~
Address File" program, plus all of the 2
utilities of the October issue which
could be stuffed into a indv cartridge.
“Address File” is a simple, quick end
easy progra to use. Also, it can
serve as a Inventory data base. Its
printing ability makes loading up tu
print labels a easy chore. Screen
listings and print out can be by
alphabetical or by last nene.
Individual names may be searched out.
In his article, Sob gives full
dnstructions end even allows for
modification to use the 40 column TV
display. This is 8 good program to
study for simple basic programming,
UTILITIES are added to fill up the
mdv cart. Some of the utilities that
are given are not included in the
UPDATE magazine pages. (Just had to
quit at 76 pages!). The Hartung Issue
cones on elther one MDV cartridge or
one Diskette.— same price $20.00.
52
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
‘THE TS-2028 Disk Software Library
TS-2068 Disk Drive Systems
Larken LKDOS
systems on 5.25 in
, and Aerco FD-68.
programs in disk will be for 4 specific
the listings below.
identified in
supported are, Oliger Safe,
Disks are available for these
ch DS-DD 40 or 80 Track.
Some individual
pos and will be
Most of the programs and
utilities’ are those published in UPDATE Magazine issues, but
some will be other programs not given in the issues,
to add value. Price is $
for more than one disk
Individual issue series are
‘The October 88 "SMART TEXT" ISSUE
Pann IER SP nce =
For Larken LKDOS, Oliger DOS, Aerco FD-68
Your scribe decided to donate the Smart
Text software to the UPDATE Library.
Since the Smart Text manual is 70 pages in
length, and the program listing is a
quarter of a mile long, it isn't practical
to give the documentation in the magazine.
Smart Text is the most extensive software
ever offered for the TS-2068. It is a
Multiple Data Base, and a Disk Integrator,
that hag a Word processor, Also included
ig MAIL MERGE. ‘These four main systems
are integrated to provide many automatic.
functions not present in other softwares.
For instance, a thousand letters of the
same or different text may be printed
NON-STOP. Or, one can just type and print
some data. Or, one may elect to print one
ora thousand labels from the mailing
list: a1 page or a 100 page decument, an
outline, an inventory listing. Swart Text
uses disk as if a whole package of
diskettes are extensions of TS-2068 FREE
Memory, ‘The Smart Text issue comes on
either two 40 track diskettes or one 80
track disk and includes a 70 page manual.
$20.00 (postpaid).
Earlier buyers of Smart Text may want
to combine an order for this Newest
version, which has column printing option.
alternate format for using pre-printed
letterhead stationary, elective for Dot
Matrix or Daisy Wheel printers, Full Edit
during input typing, mail file sorting.
and postscript option for letters.
Earlier buyers, add only $10.00 to another
disk order to receive this version.
JANUARY GRATE MAGAZINE
may take
listed as follows:
included
20.00 per disk (postpaid). Orders
10% off total price.
‘The October 88 “HARTUNG" ISSUE"
Seeenenieneienttenaeatremanee anne
This is for OLIGER DOS ONLY, and is a
collection of “Disk Management"
programs presented in four jsgues of
Bob Hartung started with
aearly program given by John Oliger and
worked for a year expanding to provide a
most capable disk management system.
“The DOSDEX"
programs
you index
Library, or
individual programs may be merged to
another to give that program new
capability. This is an outstanding group
.of programs! $20.00
The Apr/July 98 "MITCHEL DISK" Issue
Pel cn aac ed
For Oliger DOS,
FD-68. ‘Two UPDATE issues were
nt the listings and documentation of
Bob Mitchell's excellent HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
software, which is included in this issue
i Algo included are all of the
both the April and July
MS-IAS, a utility
inte out either Mscript or Tasman
“yithout need for the host word
processor", PEEK VARS utility, some
printer code initialization utilities, a
Disk Menu that can converted,
several modified public domain programs.
All of these programs and utilities maxes
out a 40 track disk. $20.00 (postpaid)
————
UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
‘The Oct 87/Jan 98 "UPDATE" Issue
For Oliger DOS, Larken LXDOS,
FD-68. ‘Ihe programs and utilities of the
two fire UPDATE issues are consolodated ,
inte one issue disk to give an outstanding
value. ‘Ihe main Software iss
MAIL MERGE, a data base and printing -
software to create aml print out mailing
lists, inventories, and other data files
that need arrangement in a format of from
one to 7 lines per field. Another data,
base “Outline” allows “school and Church"
type outlines to be produced and printed
in indented format for "major topics, and
sub topics”. ‘Two sorting routines allow
sorting by 'firet or last' name of the
wailing list. ‘Then other nicitiea, such
as “letter heads" may be printed. ‘Ihe
print products are: Complete print out of
the mailing list, print out of selected
fields, print to labels of the entire list
or individual fields. All printing may be
lo your elected IAD position, i
formatted to your elected mupber of lines
between fields. Automatic page control is
optional so that the printing can be
either continuous or under page control.
Two annexes of the Mail Merge program
are included:
“Purity”, a program that takes a mailing
list produced by Mail Merge or Swart Text,
and purifies the listing by eliminating
duplicate names and skips in the listing.
PURITY also allows you to break doun the
Jaryer listing into smaller groups of mail
files that way be processed by the Smart
‘text software for continuous printing of
automatic personalizes form letters.
"LIST LOOKER", is a program that
supplements both Mail Merge and Swort
Text. LIST LOOKER loads a Mail File,
tells you the Dimension of the Character
array, lets you screen print the Listing,
or print the listing to paper. Print out
is to your elected format. Also, Label
Printing is an option, “
ALL ‘THREE of the above programs work
automatically in the disk drive
environment and supplement each other.
EXTRA MEMORY + ‘This disk
contains four utilities given in the
January 08 issue to use with DOCC RAM,
These utilities reconfigure the Home Bank
of memory, MOVES @ Basic program from DISK
\RY 1989
and Aerco .
am -
into DOCK BANK RAM, then moves another
program from disk into HOME BANK, in order
to allow the joint operation of prograns
in both Home and Dock banks.
STILL MORE! Included are 20 sound and
visual utilities to plaggerize and use in
your own programa. Dont worry, UPDAIE
gives these 20 utilities to you for that
purpose.
“J-UTILITIES", a group of useful
utilities by UPDATE, crunches numbers and
disassembles memory. One of these
actually uses mixed inputs of Binary, Hex,
and Decimal to multiply, divide, add, and
subtract, and gives the answers in all
three number bases, (dont believe this one
has ever been done before).
This great group of software and
utilities offered for $20,007 Gotta be
kidding, but they are! And, you wont fit
them anywhere elee. ‘They're exclusive.
About The Issue Disk Program ‘
The UPDATE Software Library will
continue to build as more issues of the
magazine are published and = more
programmers participate. Half of the
proceeds of issue sales go to the
authors of these fine programs. ‘The
other half is absconded by UPDAIE
‘Magazine to pay for the disks, mailing
expenses, and the upkeep of the
corporation's 300' luxury yacht which
plys the seas between Monaco, Aruba,
and Nassau on official business. So
far we have had nothing but praise and
satisfaction expressed the
of the issue disks, so with
some trepidation, and a touch of
boldness, we added the comment,
"Unconditionally Guaranteed to Please”
to the sales pitch for the Issue Disks.
Update really wants the issue disk
progran to be successful because it
provides our rs at least SOME
compensation for their work (besides
their personal satisfaction).
54
UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
UPDA TEI
dy ¢
YA
LK ii: 4
lWarterly Magazine for
of — SINCLAIR COMPUTERS
ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE
the users £/
effective until July 1989
UPDATE MAGAZINE is published quarterly each January,
April, July, and October in support of the users and
suppliers of the SINCLAIR QL, SINCLAIR 288, AND
SINCLAIR-TIMEX TS-2068.
The following Ad sizes are based upon a page size of 8
1/2 inches by 11 inches. Ads are black and white only.
Reduction and enlarging capability exists for ads that are
off size. Camera ready copy should arrive at least 15 days
before publishing date.
DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT RATE SCHEDULE
AD SIZE PRICE
2 pages $220.00
1 page 120.00
2/3 page 90.00 (vertical or horozontal)
1/2 page 65.00 (vertical or horozontal)
1/4 page 35.00 (vertical or horozontal)
1/8 page 20.00 (vertical or horozontal)
Special placement of full page or double page ads, add
10% and call for reservation (inside front cover, first page,
inside back cover, back cover).
Line ads: 78 characters per ‘line across page, 1 line
at $6.00 per line. Will be type set to Elite 12 Chrs
per line,
Your existing Ad .copy for other publications is fine.
Just send copy with instructions for sizing (up, down, or
same). Enhancement of legibility is usually possible. Draft
quality dot matrix print is not so good.
TERMS: Check Payment with order 10% discount, or
billing on publication date. (no credit cards).
Send Ad copy to: UPDATE MAGAZINE, 1317 Stratford Ave.,
Panama City, FL 32404. (Tel: 904 871 4513)
wn
an
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
ABBA DABBA DO! Excellent TAX
Preparation software by an expert Tax
Accountant, for the TS-2068!
3 C A o FR li
Don't File Your 1988 THY. Return
WNT rhe wo HAW
GLE —- Lod eal
The LARGEST SELLING 1/5 2065 Incone Taz Program in anerica Gr. Myth. ahirn of tho goat that suckled
Brevones, Era ibt ig ite, fated T0420, 1040A & EZ Zeus: 1t would become full of whqtever
Rox Forms 2106, 2441 its owner wanted
u bat ion_In come Tax
ax-
(CAR StH C “Sn SE Included!
Only §29,.50 Sine
Eor Timex sSinclaic 2066 Computer
GWIK-1040 is an “interview tupe™
Program. It witl calculate your
allowable IRAs, Interest and De-
ductions accurately, without the
use of cumbersome input sheets
CALCULATION SEE TAX CEaerciry AND
>>>>>>>>>>>> FOR SALE <<<<<<<<<KKK S|}
Two TS-2068's - $75.00 each, like new,
with all accessories.
A&J Microdrive with Intfc & wafers-
$75.00
This progran vas designed With the Tani i Wind, Tt is easy
for you ty accurately prepare your ovn incone tax ceturn EVEN IF
YOU NAVE NEVER DOME IT BEFORE! It is also sophisticated enough
to be used to prepare returns For others, with ar without experi
ton) for tat ald accounting 5
See teat cir vou BUNGHASED
1967 QUIK-1040 FROM A+asBeA SOFT
TAKE 8 FULL aio DISCOUNT. —___—
v2-52 + Cent Intfe- -
Oliger Disk IF,
$125.00
Misc 2068 books incl Tech Manual, 20
Orig programs incl MSCRIPI, Omnicalc,
pro-file, All for $60.00
(I Bought a 288 and want to reduce.)
Write or Call: Lionel Barthelemy,
11009 Vivian Drive, Huntsville, AL
35810 (Phone 205 859 2944).
Shecapeanes
Phone: 804 467-5924
UPDATE SUPPLY SUPPORT
UPDALE ITEMS FOR SALE: ‘Ihese items are purchased in bulk and can be offered
at lower than gost local prices. All prices include shipping. Order by
"UD-tF". Add $5% for Canadian orders. (fostage)
UD-#1 Desk top Disk Case, holds seventy 5.5" floppies, nice smoked plastic
with hinged top— $7.50 each
UD-#2 Six outlet 115V Surge Suppressor~ ON-OFF SW, 6' cord, 15 amp reset ckt
breaker, ON-OFF led indicator— $19.95 each
UD-43 Six outlet 115V Surge Suppressor as above, includes EMI/RFI/Noise/Surge
suppression— $27.95 each
UD-d4 White Labels (same as UPDATE Mailing label), 5000 labels on continuous
feed tractor form— $22.00
continued next page
JANUARY 1989 56 UPDATE MAGAZINE
JANUARY 1989
UD4I5 ~—- DisketLes 5.5" hi quality DS/DD 40 track, includes sleeves and tabe—
$8.00 box of 10
UD-16 | Diskettes 5.5" Dysan Premium DS/DD 60 track 96 tpi. Use for all
Sinclair QL and 15-2066 60 track drives— $20.75 box of 10.
UD-#7 Printer Ribbon Cartridge for Star Micronics 1000 series. Box of six
carlridges— $39.75 (Single cart—$8.00).
UD-#8 Un-Priced: UPDATE will order ribbon cartridges in units of six
cartridges and ship to you with a invoice. Price depends upon size of |
cartridge and will be within plus or minus $5.00 of UD-7 above.
UD-!9 PAPER, 2500 sheets 20 lb white bond, tractor feed, laser perf for easy
tear off, standard letter size break down to 8.5X11"— $31.90 (Check locally,
you may be able to beat this)- US orders only.
THE FLEA MARKET
Subscribers may parlicipate FREE to move surplus items. Limit is one 3 line
insertion per issue. Make the print Elite 12 characters per inch, line
lenght of 46 characters, including spaces. No fancy printing. Use the
following for examples of format. :
UPDATE SURPLUS items: For TS-2068: One Zebra 09-64 Cartridge— $16.00. One
Tasman CPI— $16.00.
ONE ‘IS-2040 Printer (works A-OK)—$25.00. One Seikosha SP-1000 dot matrix
printer, works now but print head keginning te ekip come pine—#55.00.
BMSOftE
Software for the QI. that really works
We market software for business and technical applications to do
real (tax deductible) work. Prices range from $7.95 for QLUTter, a
resident boot utility to $2850.00 for a site license for a CAD
program that designs circular cams and generates the CHC code to a
vertical mill controller.
Other offerings include TAX-I-QL/88, a spreadsheet to prepare your
1988 income tax return; MAILBAG, the most versatile address
database we know of; QLAND_LORD, a property management data base
application; and TRUST_FUND, a portfolio and asset manager.
DBTutar is a handy database program to teach yourself anything you
need to know, including Spanish and QDOS, which are provided;
DBProgs are 5 useful Archive utilities. We have The_Transfer_V3,
for HP compatible laser printing of desk top publishing files and a
range of other useful, hard working software for the QL.
Generally, prices (past paid) are under US$20. oo, but like CAM
MASTER, some are a bit more.
We invite you to send for our free catalogue which explains our
offerings in greater detail than is possible here. It includes a
demo disk for CAM MASTER at only £6.95.
EMSoOft, P.O. Box 8763, Boston MA 02114 (617) 889-0830
Sse ene NNT nN sh
JANUARY 48: 57 UPDA:= MAGAS.NE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
Z88 REVIEW
about
1 thought I would
give my impressions of it.
1 have owned a 288
months now.
for
five
I have always been interested
in laptop computers and wanted to
buy one for a long time. But they
were either too expensive or not
powerful enough. That is until the
zee. It is both powerful and
inexpensive. You have got to
compare the price to other brands
of laptops. The price is about
S506.
The Z88 may
pricey if you
be considered
add up the cost of
all its accessories. But I do not
teel that you really need ali of
those accessories. Some additional
memory is necessary. I think that
one 128K ram pack should be
sutficient for most people. If you
have really exceptional needs, you
can add more memory. You can expand
the machine to over 1.5 megabytes.
You may be able to do without the
linkup packages for ather
computers. 1 made a cable with
parts from Radio Shack and used the
QL @_Link communication program
with excellent results. This also
eliminated the need to buy an
eprom to store programs
permanently. I use a @L disk tor
archival backup.
About the anly other things you
are a carrying case and
perhaps a modem if you don’t
already have one. There are many
attordably priced 12@@ baud pocket
modems on the market that will work
tine with the Z88. You may be able
to use an existing case for the
machine. It will #it into almost
anything. Or you can buy a custom
case at your Z88 dealer. Sharp’s
sells a nice one for $24.95.
You can buy an AC adapter for
the machine for under $15 at Radio
Shack. I use the model 273-1656
universal adapter set at 4 volts
and positive tip polarity.
If you do any travelling at
all, the Z88 is for you. It is very
portable. [t measures 11 1/2 inches
by 6 1/4 inches by less than an
inch. {ft has a full size keyboard
with a real nice soft’ teel.
need
ganuary’ 689 +5 an 8 line by 186 column
58
JANUARY 1989
supertwist LCD screen. The main
reason for the 2885 small size and
weight is no disk drives. How
do load in software? Answer. You
don’t! It comes with virtually
everything you need on a rom built
into the is
extremely
machine. The software
well designed and
integrated, I think that most
people will find the software
meets their needs.
The main program an the 288 is
called Pipedream, it is a
combination word processor,
spreadsheet, and database. It
appears to be a spreadsheet that
has been adapted to be a word
processor. But the word processor
functions were not skimped on one
bit. This is the most powerful word
processor that I have ever used! It
is just amazing that this program
is included in a portable machine.
You choose the commands for
Pipedream with the MENU and cursor
keys like all the functions on the
zZ88. Or you can use hotkey commands
to choose functions. This is a
little faster than the menus and
the hotkeys are not hard to
remember. At first it may seem
awkward in editing existing text
with Pipedream. But once you get
used to its idiosyncracies you will
#ind no problem,
I really like Pipedreams
ability to do columns without any
problem. This is really nice for
newsletters. This review was
written using Pipedream. Note the
two 35 column columns. You can have
as many columns as you like and
they can be in any width. I also
like the block move functions. It
tas fun watching the blocks move on
the built in page map while writing
this review.
Another program that I use is
the terminal program, You can send
and receive ascii files fairly
easily with the help of the 288
command line interpreter. Xmodem
should have been included on the
machine. You can buy a rom based
xmodem program for $89.95. I think
that I will use my QL = xmodem
program and then port files over
with the Z898 Impor t-Expor ty Ban S 8 ke
UPDATE MAGAZINE
The Z88 comes with BBC Basic.
This is a very nice basic. It even
includes procedures like the @L has
so it is extendable. It also has a
built in assembler to write machine
janguage. Syntax-wise BBC Basic is
almost identical to Microsoft
Basic. Any Microsoft Basic program
typed in or downloaded will work
fine as long as there are no screen
commands present. There is one
problem with the basic however.
There is no editor built-in. You
must ’ retype the whole line to
correct an error in a line. If you
have to do a lot of editing, you
can always port the program to
Pipedream and edit it from there.
There is a Filer to do ali the
usual file operations such as copy,
rename and move files. You can also
create subdirectories, and access
the command line interpreter. The
CLI is sort of Like batch files) on
bOS machines.
There is a Diary program that
enables you to write notes for each
day. this alse works in concert
with the Calender. You can move the
cursor anywhere on
calender and then read your
tor that day,
The 288 also
desktop accessories. There is a
perpetual calender, a clock, a 16
memory calculator with conversion
between U,S. and metric, and a
sophisticated alarm that will even
let you run programs at a specific
date and time.
has complete
Qne unusual feature af the Z68
is that you can run any = pragram
while running another program.
While editing a file in Pipedrean,
you can check a date, the time, or
your files press ESC and you are
back in Pipedfean.
There {is also a control Panel
that enables you ta set all sorts
of defaults for the computer such -
as RS232 settings, sound, the page
map etc.
Those are most of the features
that I can think of. This computer
is so loaded with features that any
review is only going to mention
some of them, This is an excellent
and amazing machine,
- David Bennett
JANUARY 1989
the perpetual -
notes’
JANUARY 1989
Taken trom the Moveaber isswe of PACC Talk - Official
Hensletter of The Pittsburgh Area Computer Club.
In the last five years, computer wanufactarers hav
series of thin computers with {Jip-up screens Jabele:
The (dea was that a person jing a certain degree of portability
da their computer would opt for this design instead of a desk-top
wodel, Vaal these aanulactarers are now findiag out, however is
that a large percent of users who buy Jap-tops use them as their
second coapeter,
Why should this news be significant to Jap-top ané portable
computer manufacturers? These manufacturers have sis-interpreted
the market seguent of who would bay the coeputers, and have wae
thea completely compatible computers with hard disks and floppy
drives. The result is a computer thet weighs (conservatively) just
over ten pounds and can hardly be Jabeled ‘portable’. Not only
aust it be pacted, lugged, and a fresh charge of
electricity every tine it is needed, these computers aust be
bandied with care - they cannot be dropped, busped hard or
*thrown® into the car. Enter the Sinclair 288,
What Sinclair did with the 286 that makes it anique, in ay
opinion, is correctly define a sarket segneat. This computer bas a
built in operating system that contains a word processor, a
database, and a spreadsheet. they are pol versions of popelar
prograes, bat they accept files from popular prograas without”
Wodification, Ihe 288 has no floppy, micro-drive, or hard drive
option, but it reneabers everything in RAM. Any applications a
user might have stored in the RAN stay just as he/she leaves then
‘watil they are erased,
What wakes the 288 unique fs its packaging, The coaputer is eight
by eleven inches, weighs under two pounds and is only three
fourths of an inch thick! This azkes it the first truly portable
computer. It fs about as rugged as a pocket calculator. It
contains 2 communicalions progran that allows it to easily
transfer files back and forth between a QL or a BM (or clone).
Thes, one would probably buy this as a second computer. The
Sinclair 286 is the shape of computers for the future. It fills a
wartet niche previously undefined, and puls powerfully computing
access at the hands of those who trely need portability.
Ba Comments: Thanks David, for a nice run down
on the 288. And why shouldn't the 7283 be the most
practical “personal computer" alive? After all,
Sinclair introduced the first personal computer, the
2%-80. Since that time EVERYIHING is advertised as
“personal computers", even my $3800 IBM AT Clone,
which is really a “Business Office Computer". T'tother
day I looked at a Mitsubitchi “Lap Top" that comes
with two 3.5" dd's ani weighs bout the same as a
conerete building block and costs a measly $4495. If
you carry it around fer a while one arm's gonna get
longer'n tother. The 288 is more practical to take
everywhere and do everything with than anything that I
have seen to date. Its a winner both as a "portable"
and as a "personal", and as a “desk top". Me? I dont
have a lap, amd I refuse to call any computer a “lap
top", which ain't no practical name fer nuthing. -BJ
59 UPDATE MAGAZINE
UPDATE MAGAZINE JANUARY 1989
TAX SOFTWARE FOR THE QL
TAX-1-QL (rhymes with icicle) 16 the lead program from the Boston QL software
house of ENSoft. It is a spreadsheet template to run under ABACUS on the QL ta
make the IRS tax preparation easier but 1s does require at least 384K RAM.
1t has been updated each year for the past two years and the 1988 version,
TAX-1-QL/88, ig now available and incorporates all the new stuff Congress had
in mind for you when Lt passed the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
All the 1040 Schedules (except F? are supplied and mast of the forms you will
need. You also get a lot of forms you will never need, because it was
developed for tax preparers as well.
First, execute ABACUS (EMSoft recommends v 2.3 or 2.35 so that taxiql will load
faster), then load taxiql. Rven ona disk you will have time to put on the
kettle for tea. The template runs 105K even in the abbreviated microdrive
version.
You know it’s loaded when the menu pops on screen with the cell ranges for the
different forms. Use the F3,X command to get the built-in prompts for
initiating the particular tax return, then begin stuffing data in all the
places 1t should go.
TAX-1-QL/88 comes with a well written, information packed, 16 page manual that
ts almost a tutorial on tax preparation. It primary purpose ie to teach you
how to use the program, but it incorporates a number of hints to help yor _
figure out the IRS jargon and obscurities. It also has the best starter course :
in using Abacus we have ever seen.
This is not a program for the faint of heart. The manual cautions that you
should refer to the IRS instructions - and truth to tell - you should have the
proper IRS forms and instructions at your side.
The great strength of TAX-1-QL is in the spreadsheet. For example, 1f yau are
self-employed, Schedule SE is automatically prepared from data entered and
calculated elsewhere. If you initiate the return properly, your tax bill and
your exemptions are automatically calculated. It even lets you itemise
deductions but only counts them if you have enough to make it worth your while
(suggesting that you may want to dig deeper into the pile of receipts.)
The disk version has a number of forms on separate files that do not interact
with the main spreadsheet. Some such as 8598 for calculating the deductibility
of Home Mortgage Interest require individual decision making for whieh line the
results must go and don't interact in any case; others are fairly obscure forms
such as 4970 which are rarely used in any case.
While TAX-1-QL is primarily for tax preparers and others aceustomad to doing
thelr awn taxes, it ig aleo an excellent teaching tool. Peter Hale, the author,
advises that prior year versions are frequently ordered by thase who simply
want to check out their accountant's work and begin de-mystifying the whole
process of tax preparation. At $19.95 for 5 1/4" disk or $21.95 for micro
cartridge it a cheap short course in taking control of your life and is
probably deductable on your 1989 return.
Avallable from EMSoft, P.O. Box 8763, Boston, MA 02114-8763 (617) 889-0830 or
your favorite dealer.
JANUARY 1989 UPDATE MAGAZINE
60
UPDALE MAGAZINE
THE INDEX PRINTER
Last issue we gave an index printing
program for the TS-2068. This time I was
determined to make the QL do it. Actually
it turned out to be pretty good, and it has
some other applications as well. It could
be an “outline printer" or could be used
for just about any purpose that one needs
to print stort lines to a page with TAB
control. ‘The program is in pure ole simple
BASIC, as I'm not up to the "Super Basic
Level" as yet.
One thing you've got to be aware of, ard
that is that the Quill program's printer
set up is such that a LINE FEED is
“software furnished" at each line end. So,
when using any printing utility such as
this one, you must find the little dip
switch on the printer that "Turns ON a LINE
FEED with each Carriage Return". That
switch must be turned ON. Otherwise, lines
will overprint on the same line. Then,
when finished and ready to go back to
Quill, you can flip the switch off. I've
put a little dab of the Wife's red nail
polish on that little dip switch so that I
wont have to consult the printer manual the
next time.
So, "indexer" becomes another little
programming tutor for handling such things
as INPUT, DIMENSIONING Character Arrays,
FOR COUNTERS, OPENing Channel to Printer,
PRINT to a TAB position, LINE SPACING, and
CLOSEing a Channel. I'm not real sure that
the "END FOR n" statement is needed in the
three usages of the N counter. The program
worked without the END statement but I kept
getting a report "PROC INCOMPLETE" thrown
on the screen, 80 I added the END FOR N.
So, key it in and play around with
printing under YOUR CONTROL, instead of
having to load up a software to do it.
O£ course you can add some programming
to get out of the split screen if you like,
but for simple utilities such as this, I
like to see the listing on the left side.
Then I can break in with CIRL and SPACE BAR
to modify the lines when I want to. .
By the way, if your printer is connected
to SER 2, just plug it into SER 1. That
will be easer than changing the program
lines.
I learned a few things while putting
this little program together. Normally
JANUARY 1989
JANUARY 1989
with the TS-2068 one can use the "dimension
of an Array line" as TAB. For example, if
a$ is dimensioned A$(10,28) then PRINE
AS(n) ;b$(n) would print b@(n) at TAB 29.
Not so with the QL! The QL's character
arrays are filled only with input data, so
if you input only 20 characters to A$(n),
then that line of the array is only 20
characters in LEN (length). Thus, in line
530 I had to use PRINT #4; TO tb;a$; TO
(tb+28);b$ instead of just PRINT #4;TO
TBza$;b$.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with it and
learned quite a bit about the differences
in the QL's syntax for controlling printing
positions. At my noice programmer stage
with the QL there is quite a bit of need to
consult the KEY WORDS section of the manual
to find out why the QL keeps giving me the
"BAD LINE" report.
A refinement to the program could be to
use programming to do the computations for
TAB. Example, my printer set up is for 98
character lines, so page center is TAB 49.-
So lets let pc=49. Then a print line could
be: PRINT #4; TO (PC-LEN AS(n)/2;a$. That
should CENTER print a$(n) (or would it?).
Try it and see.
THE INDEX PRINTER
10 CLS:LIST
20 INPUT "number of index items? ";a:CLS
30 DIM a$(a,28):DIM b$(a,12)
100 CLS:FOR n=] TO a
110 INPUT “enter index item";a$(n):IF
a$(n)="x" THEN LET a$(n)=""sLET a=n-1:GO TO
500
120 CLS:INPUT "enter pages";b$(n)
130 NEXT n:END FOR n
500 CLS: INPUT "enter FIRST TAB"; tb
510 OPEN #4,serlc:BAUD 9600
520 FOR n=] TO a
530 PRINT #4: TO tb;a$(n);TO .
(tb+28) sb$(n); (Bick slash ) fon bine PCE
540 NEXT n:END FOR n
550 CLS: INPUr "Nbr of spaces? ";x:IF
x0 THEN FOR n=l TO x: PRINT #4;4: NEXT
nEND FOR n Cpa ols
560 CLS:CLOSE #4:GO TO 10
Indexer is donated to Public Domain if
anybody wants it.
__- Jann
UPDATE MAGAZINE
[] SPECTERM-64(TS—4.1)
300/1200 Terminal Software for T/S2068
On JLOQ. AERCO, Larken disk or tape.
Only $25.00 + $2.50 S@H
ALSO
{] 2-5i/0 Bare Boards
RAS-2326 Serial Interface for T/S2066
With EREE 2050 card
Only $24.50 + $2.50 S&H
OF BOTH FOR ONLY
$50.00 inc. S&H
( Onsioe 48 conrrowus stares, $6.90 Stil)
ELE HELE ELLLL LEE EREE
LARKEN Disk Hardware:
{ ] LARKEN Disk System
Includes LARKEN Floppy Disk Interface, LKDOS (v.3)
Cartridge, Operating Manual and LKDOS Utiities’ Desk,
Only $120.00 + $5.00 S&H
{ ] LADOS Cartridge for JLO
Specially configured LKDOS (v.3) Cartridge that
works with your JLO SAFE Disk hardware. Includes
Operating Manual and LKDOS Utilities’ Disk.
Only $65.00 + $3.50 S&H
[ ] LARKEN Randlisk
+ You can add up
No BAM chips are included.
to 256K to this Nonvolatile Ramdisk. Easy to use
as a floppy disk with LKDOS.
Only $60.00 + $3.50 S&H
O Tandon TM101-4 Guad
Disk Drives
These disk drives are brand new in factory
sealed cartons. They are double sided,
double density, 96 tpi (quad), full height
drives. They are compatible with JLO,
LKDOS, AERCO and QL disk systems.
$45.00 + $5.00 54H
Buy 2, Get FREE Drive Cable!
Buy 3, Get 4th for Half Price!
Buy 4, Get One Dink Drive FREE!
( J Cable (2dr)..§12.50+52.50 S&H
Hayes Compatible MODEMS
C J Avatex 2400 (3/12/2400)... 5179
For CP/M, IBM and other systems.
L J Avatex 1200he (300/ 1200)... BIS
For T/S2068 (w/ Z-SI/O) and QL.
[ J Avatex 1200<P> (300/00)... BRS
<P>rocket size for the Z68.
L ] Avatex, 00<E> (300/200)... BES
Great for SPECTERM-64!
Epson Compatible PRINTERS
{ J Seikosha 1200Al (120/25)..5199
{ ] Seikosha 180AI (100/20)..5169
{ ] Star NX1000 (144/34)....B229
All modems add $3.50 for S&H, all printers add
$10.00 for S&H (Canada double S8H on all items).
Ed Grey Enterprises
P.O. Box #2186,
Inglewood, CA 90305
Info >> 213-759-7406 << Order
Call The Grey Matter BBS & REP/H (213-971-6260)
Z88 THIS COMPACT.
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THIS POWERFUL...
¢ The most portable full-function computer ever
devised,
© Less than an inch thick. measures 11!'3 in x 8's in,
Weighs under 2 Ib.
© Comes complete with integrated set of powerful
applications software: word-processing, spreadsheet,
database. calculator. diary. calendar, clock. alarm,
printer editor all included in ROM.
© Canexport, import and manipulate data from IBM-
compatible PCs: converts its own applications
software into Wordstaror Lotus 1-2-3 files. Mac and.
ST. QL Linkups available ako,
@ Extra memory comes in solid-state, interchangeable
packs — only 24 in. square x 4 in. deep. No fragile
disks. no bulky disk drives.
© 32K of RAM built in, expandable to 3 megabytes
soon enough to hold the complete works of
Shakespeare,
Permanent storage on EPROM (Erasable Program-
mable Read Only Memory) packs ilable in 32K.
and 128K. 1 megabyte packs coming soon,
Latest supertwist liquid crystal display provides
large working area of 8 lines x 80 characters.
RS222 port provides corinection to virtually any
standard printer.
QWERTY keyboard has silent, shorttravel keys:
use in meetings, lectures, anywhere.
Runs on four AA baueries. Built-in capaciter
preserves data when batteries need to be changed,
Z88 SOFTWARE IN ACTION
The Z88's ingenious built-in software suite lets you switch any wo
applications - even word processing and spreadsheet -- without loading
separate sofiware into the computer's memory.
788 Sinclair Computer $ Call
68008 Sinclair QL $ Call
Call or write for other ZBK produets,
SHARP'S, Inc.
_ Switch from writing a letter to find an address. . from composing 2 Fie 16 aon aso
report to carrying out a calculation. ..move a spreadsheet intoa document —_\yechani¢evile. VA 23111
imply press a couple of keys!
(804) 746-1664 sam - 4pm
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